Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 6

Written Answers. - Farm Incomes.

Tony Gregory

Question:

131 Mr. Gregory asked the Taoiseach the total number of farmers in the State; the total farm income for each of the past five years; the average farm income for each of the past five years; and the distribution of farm income per quintile for each of the past five years. [2998/98]

The Taoiseach

The total number of farmers operating farms of one hectare or more (including smaller intensive units) in the State in 1996 was 149,500 (Most recent estimate —

Source: CSO June Agricultural Survey 1996).

	Total Farm Income Value
	£m
1993	9,455
1994	9,481
1995	10,477
1996	11,213
1997	10,914
	(Preliminary estimate)

The figures above are defined as Income from self-employment and other trading income. This is the amount available to remunerate farmers, their families and other agricultural producers for their labour and management and to cover interest on borrowed capital (Source: CSO Statistical Release entitled: ‘Estimated Output, Input and Income in Agriculture 1992-96' (30 June 1997) and ‘Output, Input and Income in Agriculture, 1997 —Preliminary estimate' (3 February 1998).

The CSO income figure cannot be used to derive an average farm income (i.e. dividing income by the number of farms) as the concept of the ‘national farm' is used. Included in the ‘national farm' concept are activities such as stud farms and contracting services —the supply of machinery, materials and operating staff. The output of the ‘national farm' includes farmers, agricultural contractors, co-operatives, institutions and commercial concerns engaged in producing agricultural produce.

Furthermore, the CSO income figure is calculated before deduction of interest payments on borrowed capital. However, an estimate of average family farm income as measured by Teagasc in the National Farm Survey is as follows:

	£
1992	7,172
1993	8,075
1994	9,063
1995	9,644
1996	10,920

The distribution of farm income per quintile for each of the past five years is unavailable from the CSO. However, Teagasc has been approached and has agreed to compile estimates of the income distribution per quintile from the National Farm Survey. This analysis will be forwarded to the Deputy by the CSO as soon as it becomes available.