Preliminary estimates of the agricultural input price indices for 2020 show a decrease of 3.3%, while output prices are estimated to increase by 0.1%.

The fertiliser input index fell by 10.5%, with energy also dropping by 8.1%, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The projected increase in the output price index of 0.1% is due mainly to increases in sheep - up 9.1% - and cattle - up 5%.

The crop output price index is down 14.5%, with cereals and potatoes down by 18.1% and 25.8% respectively.

The preliminary annual indices are compiled by using the published monthly indices from January to August, and forecast estimates for September to December.

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