Strong farm produce prices and growth in food exports saw farm incomes rise to an average of €24,461 in 2011, according to the Teagasc annual report published today.
However while incomes were up in 2011, the agriculture and food development authority said significant falls in income are expected this year following the poor summer weather.
Teagasc chairman Dr Noel Cawley said 2011 was "an excellent year" for the farming and agri-industry with strong prices for milk, beef and grain helping to life farm incomes while agri-foord and drink exports reached €8.9 billion or ten per cent of Ireland's total exports and 7.5 percent of total employment.
The report noted Teagasc has downsized considerably in recent years with staff numbers dropping from 1,574 in 2008 to 1,189 at the end of 2011. The number of offices has dropped from 91 to 41 and in the last year leasing of lane for research in counties Galway and Cork has been discontinued.
Despite this, Teagasc director Gerry Boyle said 2011 was a busy year with the organisation building a greater international reputation for the quality of its research, particularly for its work on animal genomics and food probiotics.
At home Teagasc continues its educational courses for an increasing number of students and its advisers have significantly developed the farmers' discussion groups.
Total Teagasc income for 2011 amounted to €173.3 million excluding net deferred funding for pensions. The full annual report for 2011 and financial statements are available at teagasc.ie
