Macra statement on recent Teagasc National Farm Survey findings focuses on change

On 23 July Teagasc launched their 2023 National Farms survey, this survey is the most comprehensive survey on the state of Irish Agriculture that is produced on an annual basis, it surveyed 85,000 out of 135,000 farms which includes farmers across Tipperary. 

Macra President Ms Elaine Houlihan said “The contents of the Teagasc National Farm study contain no great surprises, we see a drop in incomes across all farming sectors, most noticeably in dairy which experienced a decrease of 69% when compared with the previous year. Tillage experienced a drop of 71%“ so there was no good news for any sector of Irish Agriculture.

Elaine went onto say that “Given the income volatility in Irish Agriculture, it is no surprise farmers are finding it harder and harder to pass the land onto the next generation.”

The report found that just under 1/3 of farm households were in receipt of pension income in 2023. Elaine concluded: “with our aging farming demographic, it is not surprising that incomes across the board are dropping, with decreasing incomes, decreasing output will also follow, Macra calls on the Minister for Agriculture to back Macra's proposals in relation to generational renewal with our succession scheme, while there are still young farmers willing to take over.”