Incomes slump all round

AGRICULTURAL output has slumped 18.9% in 2009, according to an advance estimate by the Central Statistics Office.

This knocked farm incomes back 30% for the year, following a 10.9% income decrease in 2008.

The value of milk output decreased by almost 35%, or €567 million, due mainly to a decrease in milk prices.

The value of cattle output decreased by 10.7 %, or €179m.

The value of pigs output decreased by 12.6%, or €42m.

The value of cereals output decreased by 52%, or €104m.

Farmers are estimated to have spent 18%, or €91m, less on fertilisers this year.

According to the CSO, no provision has been made in these advance estimates for any losses likely to arise from the recent flooding.

Updated figures for 2009 will be published in February, followed by final estimates in June 2010.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said low commodity prices, Government cuts, the weakness of sterling, and dreadful weather have plunged farmers into their worst income crisis since Ireland joined the EEC in 1973.