Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy outlined, volatility is a significant issue. The volatility in input and output costs was reflected in family farm income. Following record years for income in 2021 and 2022, incomes fell in 2023. However, estimates for 2024 and the forecast for 2025 are more positive. Teagasc estimates an average increase of 49% for 2024 - admittedly from a low base - with all sectors estimated to have experienced gains. In 2025, average family farm income is forecast to rise by a further 22%.

I will continue to support farmers through the €9.8 billion CAP strategic plan and via specific supports where required. One of the four missions of Food Vision 2030, our stakeholder-led strategy for the agrifood sector, is for viable and resilient primary producers with enhanced well-being. This places primary producers, our farmers, fishers and foresters, at the core of that strategy.

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