The new figures predict there will be a jump in agricultural operating surplus in 2014, though the first set of estimates released last December forecasted an annual decrease of 1%. The new figures follow an increase of 1.1% in 2013 and a drop of 8.5% in 2012.

The CSO notes the following changes between 2014 and 2013:

  • Goods output at producer prices decreased by 2.6% or €191.6m, to reach €7,057.1m

  • Cattle output decreased by 6.6% or €141.2m.

  • Milk output increased by 0.7% or €15.4m.

  • Sheep output increased by 14.2% or €29.0m.

  • Total intermediate consumption decreased by 6.2% or €354.4m.

  • Expenditure on commercial feedingstuffs decreased by 17.6% or €283.1m.

  • Expenditure on fertilizers decreased by 7.9% or €48.3m.

    Final estimates will be published by the CSO in June 2015.