Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
707. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the pressures facing producers, particularly in relation to rising feed, energy, labour and packaging costs. [17113/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department closely monitors the trends in agriculture costs and prices, with the Central Statistics Office producing Agricultural Input and Output Price Indices on a monthly basis.
The latest data shows a continued moderation of agricultural input costs, following the input price peak recorded in 2022. In the most recent full-year data for 2025, the average input price index was 15.4% lower than its 2022 peak, which includes reductions of 15.6% in feeding stuffs and 9.2% in energy. However, while input costs have generally declined from their peak, they remain above pre-2022 levels.
Alongside decreases in input costs, output prices have risen to a record level, with the 2025 average increasing by 14% relative to 2024, making it nearly 12% higher than its previous peak, also recorded in 2022. This indicates that trading conditions for farmers are improving, as reflected in recent Family Farm Income figures, which show that average incomes in 2024 increased by 86% compared to the previous year, with gains recorded across dairy, cattle, sheep and tillage systems.
The upward trend in incomes continued in 2025, with preliminary estimates showing further gains across all farm systems. While some moderation in output prices is expected in 2026, input costs in aggregate are projected to remain relatively stable over the same period.
Of course the current geo-political situation is of concern with regard to possible impacts on the agri-food supply chain.
However, in the face of uncertainty and economic pressures in recent years, the agri-food sector has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience, and the Government continues to provide strong support to the sector. Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 has a significant budget of €9.8 billion over five years, making it the highest-funded programme to date.
