Farm output expected to rise €300m

TEAGASC experts expect a year-on-year increase in agricultural output of more than €300 million in 2010.

With relatively unchanged costs of production overall, agricultural sector income is set to increase by a similar amount.

Big profitability per hectare gains are forecast for dairy farmers, advancing more than 70% on 2009 to a gross margin about €1,600 per hectare (18 cent per litre).