The reality that two-thirds of family farms do not generate adequate income inside the farm gate was clearly identified by Teagasc this week.

It launched a campaign to help farms get financially fit that brought together no less than 22 stakeholders who committed to the five-year initiative.

The biggest challenge is to engage farmers and help them develop the skills of sound financial planning and decision-making. In a time when market risk is increasing, the decisions individual farmers make inside and outside the farm gate will become more important. We need to see it backed up with new tools and advice that can really help.