Income Of Agricultural Households In Ireland

This publication uses data collected from the three most recent Household Budget Surveys to give estimates of the overall income situation of agricultural households in Ireland. This income comprises not only income from farming, but also income from other gainful activities, rental income, social transfers and other sources.

Four different definitions of farm household are considered, details of which are included in the publication. The figures quoted below are based on the definition of an agricultural household as one where the income from agriculture constitutes the main source of income of the head of household.

Some of the findings emerging from this analysis are:

• In 2004-2005, the average income per adult or adult equivalent was €19,895 for agricultural households and €22,894 for non-agricultural households. The corresponding figures for 1994-1995 were €8,611 and €8,402.
• Average household size for non-agricultural households is consistently smaller than that for agricultural households. In 2004-2005, the average household size for agricultural households was 3.08 persons, whereas for non-agricultural households it was only 2.66 (almost 14% smaller).
• The average annual household income for agricultural households (not adjusted for household size) increased from €21,783 in 1994-1995 to €32,299 in 1999-2000 and to €46,959 in 2004-2005. This compares to non-agricultural household incomes of €20,134 in 1994-1995, €30,820 in 1999-2000 and €47,032 in 2004-2005.
• Income from agriculture, as a percentage of gross household income, has decreased from 55% in 1994-1995, to 45% in 1999-2000, and to 37% in 2004-2005.

Following the change to a decoupled system, a large amount of arrears of subsidies was paid in 2005. This would have increased agricultural income in that year but was purely a timing effect.

For copies of the publication contact:

Central Statistics Office, Information Section, Skehard Road, Cork. 021 453 5011

Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.

Price: €10.00 [Copies can also be downloaded from the CSO website (see below)].

For further information contact:

Fiona O'Callaghan on 021 453 5705 or Margaret Power 021 453 5373

Central Statistics Office, Skehard Road, Cork.

E-mail: agriculture@cso.ie

Internet: www.cso.ie

19 June2008

- ENDS -