Gildernew stresses importance of single farm payment in income figures

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA welcomed the rise in agricultural income for 2009, which was indicated by DARD figures published today.

Commenting on the figures, the Minister, said: "The agricultural income estimate for 2009 indicates a modest increase compared with 2008. This is almost entirely due to a favourable pound/euro exchange rate which resulted in a significant increase in Single Farm Payments and had positive price effects in some commodity sectors as well. It should be noted once again that without the Single Farm Payment, farm incomes would have been negative. This illustrates how important this mechanism is to local farmers.”

The Minister continued: “However, the aggregate figure masks the difficulties in the dairy sector. Farm level figures show a forecast fall in dairy farm incomes of 30%. Throughout this challenging year, I lobbied hard on behalf of the dairy industry. The lobbying had a successful outcome and the EU provided a number of support measures, including the re-introduction of export refunds and intervention purchases for dairy products.

Thankfully, world commodity markets have improved more recently and this is being reflected in the prices paid to producers, although the latest milk auction price shows that the recovery is fragile and that markets remain volatile. I hope there are better times ahead for the dairy sector and I will certainly continue to do all that I can to help improve the position of all farmers in the coming year.”

Notes to editors:

1. The provisional 2009 agricultural income figures were issued today by DARD Statistical Press Release, Number 012/10.
2. Media enquiries to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.