asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the Agricultural Institute predict a fall of 5 per cent in farmers' income; and if he will take steps to deal with the high costs of inputs into farming.
Written Answers. - Farmers' Income.
279.
I understand that the Agricultural Institute has not made any precise prediction as to the outcome for farm income in 1984. In a recent report, however, it estimates that there could be a small rise in farm incomes in nominal terms. While farm input costs will increase, the report suggests that the upward trend should moderate as the year progresses. I would point out that a major factor contributing to farm costs is the level of inflation. The control of inflation is a prime objective of Government policy and the latest figures show that success is being achieved with inflation now at its lowest level since 1978.