Agricultural income up 3% last year
Preliminary estimates from the Central Statistics Office show that, compared with 2003, agricultural income (operating surplus) in 2004 increased by 3% before deductions for interest payments and land rental.
These figures replace the advance estimates published in early December 2004.
They make greater use of outturn rather than forecast data for the later months of the year. The results are still subject to revision, as future data becomes available.
The final results for 2004 will be published in June.
Comparing 2004 with 2003 shows the value of cattle output increased by 8% or €104m.
The value of pigs increased by €17.6m or 6%. An increase in pig prices of 8% was offset by fewer slaughterings.
The value of sheep output increased by 6% or €12m. A decline in sheep prices was offset by a higher number of sheep slaughterings.
The cost of fertilisers decreased by €6.7m or 2%.
Net subsidies remained the same. In 2003 net subsidies represented 69% of operating surplus. In 2004 it is estimated that net subsidies represent 67% of operating surplus.
