Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Farm Incomes.

Enda Kenny

Question:

138 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the level of farm incomes in the west of Ireland; his views on the general future of farming there; the initiatives, if any, he is taking to improve the ability to increase farm incomes in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3986/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The Teagasc National Farm Survey shows that in 1996 the average agricultural family farm income for western farmers was £7,782. This figure does not include off-farm earnings and the survey shows that on 41 per cent of western farms either the holder, or the holder's spouse, had an off-farm job.

I am concerned about the issue of low farm incomes in the west of Ireland. There are of course a number of measures in place which are helping to improve the situation. Under the Structural Funds for example, cattle and sheep headage payments in disadvantaged areas amounted to over £126 million in 1997. Western farmers also benefit from direct payments provided for under the reform of the CAP in 1992. The Teagasc survey shows that in 1996 the average western farmer received in total almost £5,500 in such direct payments. Measures such as the scheme of early retirement from farming and various tax concessions are also in place to encourage improvements in agricultural structures. There is a significant usage of REPS by farmers in the region.

In the context of Agenda 2000 one of my main objectives will be not only to protect farm incomes but to seek to maximise the income of all farmers particularly those on smaller farms. The Government, while recognising the importance of primary agriculture, will also be looking at the wider rural development perspective in terms of diversifying the rural economy through on-farm and off-farm enterprises and activities in order to maintain viable sustainable rural communities.