Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
44 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the average farm income at present; her views on a recent Teagasc report which found that average farm incomes increased by just 0.9% in 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24484/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Teagasc national farm survey 2003 showed that average family farm income increased by 0.9% to €15,054. Farm incomes, however, vary significantly depending on the size and enterprise mix on farms and in particular whether the farms are full-time or part-time. Average income on full-time farms, defined in terms of labour requirements, was €29,000, a rise of 4.6%, which compares favourably with an average industrial wage of €27,991.
However, a substantial proportion of farms are part-time, 60%, and have an average farm income of €6,584. The vast majority of these households have other earned income, pensions or social welfare. The CSO household budget survey for 1999/2000 indicates that 60% of farm household income comes from off-farm sources. In recent years my Department and Teagasc have adapted many of their schemes and services to cater for the needs of farmers supplementing their income from off-farm sources.
