Vol. 550 No. 2
187 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on the report prepared by the FAPRI - Ireland: Partnership in the context of a medium-term analysis for the agri-food sector. [8012/02]
It is assumed the Deputy is referring to FAPRI-Ireland's report, "Outlook 2001: Medium Term Analysis for the Agri-Food Sector", published in April 2001.
This report provides a baseline "no policy change" analysis of prospects for the agricultural and food sectors over the period 2001 to 2010. It also analyses a range of possible policy changes. The baseline projections estimate an increase of 4% in aggregate farm income in nominal terms over the period 2000 to 2010.
Average farm income is calculated by dividing aggregate farm income by the number of farms. As current trends suggest that there will be a decline in farm numbers, mainly in small farms under 20 hectares over the same period, average farm income is likely to be similar, or higher, in 2010 compared to 2000.
It should also be borne in mind that more than 60% of farm household income now comes from off-farm activities. This part of farm income is not included in the FAPRI-Ireland analysis but is likely to continue to grow, as the number of part time farmers increases in the future.
My Department supports and monitors this important and useful econometric research done by FAPRI-Ireland. Their work is ongoing and the results of their latest analysis are due to be published at the end of April.
