IFA Reaction to Teagasc National Farm Survey

IFA President Francie Gorman said the Farm Survey report for 2023 from Teagasc is a stark reminder of the fragility of farming as incomes took a huge hit last year. Teagasc have confirmed that average family farm income in 2023 was less than €20,000, the lowest level in more than a decade.  

Tomorrow, IFA will hold a pre-Budget meeting with the Minister for Agriculture and we will be emphasising the need for the maximum level of supports for farm families.

“Farm income levels are now at historically low levels with an average drop of 57% compared to 2022. No sector fared well; tillage and dairy took the biggest hits in terms of overall drop. Sheep and livestock farmers were also heavily impacted with average suckler farmer income now the lowest on record.”

The IFA President said the difficult weather conditions in the latter half of 2023 certainly played a part and the ongoing impact of the cost base is something that will have to be resolved.

“Across all enterprises, the pressure on farm families is proving very challenging. The incoming EU Commission should see this as a wake-up call. Expecting food production to continue as normal under these conditions is just not sustainable,” he said.

Francie Gorman said further contraction in food production is inevitable unless retailers start paying a fair price for food and national and European agricultural policy adjusts to recognise that these farm income levels are not viable.