While Northern Ireland’s agricultural income has skyrocketed to record levels, most agricultural sectors are benefiting, while cultivable producers continue to face serious financial burdens.
The Department of Agriculture (Daera) preliminary figures show that total revenue from agriculture has increased by 62.5%, up from £471 million in 2023 to £766 million in 2024.
It is expected that average farm business income for all types will more than double. This is a 107% increase from £29,260 in 2023/24 to £60,622 in 2024/25.
The sharp rise is primarily due to reduced costs of feed and fertilizer, and the strong market prices of major commodities such as milk, beef and lamb.
However, farmers are not sharing equally with this rise. Many currently sell grains that are cheaper than the cost of production, highlighting the continued volatility and pressure within the sector.
“It’s encouraging news for the farming community in Northern Ireland that we can see such an increase in revenue,” said Ulster Farmers Union President William Irvine.
The results are “proof of the pure resolve and unwavering commitment of our farm families,” he said.
However, he warned that the photography was not universally positive. “Not all farms have the benefits they deserve,” he said. “We rarely get any farmers of our farmland. This is very worrying.”
He acknowledged that agriculture is inherently unpredictable as certain sectors continue to face certain challenges.
“For the agri-food industry and the rural economy to flourish, all farm businesses must be rewarded considerably for the high quality food they produce.
“We cannot leave the sector behind. We need equal opportunities for development and progress.”
Facing global instability and changing geopolitics, Irvine said the importance of food security has become more clear than ever before.
“Our local farmers are the foundation of our country’s ability to feed,” he said, providing “high-quality, trackable foods that consumers trust.”
He added that strengthening farmers’ financial resilience is key to maintaining their supply, “protecting domestic supply chains and reducing dependence on external markets.”
“It’s not just profits. It’s about ensuring a safe future for the people and everyone’s dinner plates.”
