Eoin Lowry poses a very relevant question in the context of Bord Bia this week publishing record figures for agri-food exports – who benefits? In ensuring the sector remains relevant and at the centre of Government policy, the 2% increase to €11.1bn in 2016 is a positive development. However, the figures will bring little comfort to livestock farmers who saw milk price drop 4c/l, beef price by 5% and static lamb price. Tillage farmers saw margins wiped out due to poor prices and difficult weather conditions.

Since 2010, the value of exports from the agrifood sector has increased by €3.3bn or 48% and yet we have seen no material change in family farm income.