#Irishagriculture#Iunfavorableweather#Icropgrowth#IpotatoIsector#Idairysector#Iagriculturaloutput#Ifarmer’sincome#Isustainability
According to the latest report from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Irish agricultural output declined by 8.9% in 2022, and the outlook for 2023 is not much better. The IFA President, Tim Cullinan, stated that “Farmers are facing a very challenging year, with many still trying to recover from last year’s bad harvests.” The weather conditions have been particularly unfavorable, with a combination of heavy rainfall and cold temperatures affecting crop growth and animal welfare.
The potato sector is one of the hardest hit, as reported by Potato News Today. The adverse weather conditions have impacted potato yields, with farmers struggling to achieve the required quality and size for the market. Additionally, the demand for potatoes has declined due to the rise of alternative sources of carbohydrates such as rice and pasta.
The unfavorable weather has also affected the dairy sector, with dairy farmers struggling to provide adequate feed for their livestock due to the low growth of grass. This has led to an increase in the cost of feed and a decrease in milk production.
IThe unfavorable weather conditions have had a significant impact on Irish agriculture in 2023, with farmers facing a challenging year. The decline in agricultural output will have consequences for both the production and income of farmers, affecting the overall economy of the country. Urgent measures are needed to support farmers in overcoming these challenges and ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector in Ireland.
