Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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119. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures which he is taking to ensure land-use/farming for food production is financially viable compared to land-use/farming for energy production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65162/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I am committed to supporting the long-term economic viability of the Irish agrifood sector. I will briefly outline the current data on economic viability.

The National Farm Survey reports on income and viability trends and for 2024, it shows that Family Farm Income increased to an average of €36,000 across all farm systems. Income growth was driven by a combination of improved farm output prices, easing input costs, more favourable weather and direct payments provided by my Department, which accounts for 59% of farm income on average.

Farm income is a key determinant of viability, and the 2024 National Farm Survey results indicate that 42% of farms were viable, while a further 34% of farms were classified as sustainable. The outlook for farm incomes in 2025 is also positive, with a further increase of 39% in average farm incomes forecast.

Achieving Ireland’s national and EU ambitions on climate, land use and biodiversity will require the application of the best scientific and technological advancements available coupled with engagement of all stakeholders.

It is important to provide farmers with opportunities to ensure that they can maximise the income from their holdings, maintain viable holdings and protect our family farm tradition.

My Department supports a range of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, including improvement in bovine genetics, low emission slurry spreading technologies, investments in anaerobic digestion, solar panels on farms, and many other measures.

My aim is to ensure that we future-proof Ireland’s agrifood sector for the benefit of the environment and our farm families. It is critical that we work together to keep the agrifood sector in Ireland on a positive trajectory to achieve economic and environmental sustainability.