Teagasc Outlook Confirms Farm Incomes Under Pressure – IFA

Commenting on today’s presentation by Teagasc, IFA President John Bryan said, “The outlook midway through 2012 confirms the serious downturn in farm incomes. Higher input costs, coupled with disastrous weather conditions and price falls in some commodities, are all combining to make 2012 a very challenging year for farming. In addition, cuts to farm schemes over the last four years are beginning to impact very severely on thousands of low-income farmers.”
John Bryan again warned there can be no more cuts in the Budget, and direct payments under the various farm schemes must be made in full.

He said, “If farmers are to farm their way through this, it is critical that a fair price is given for their product. With over 40% of our exports going into the UK, the continued weakening of the euro should provide a positive boost to product prices.”