June 27, 2007

Ireland's 2006 cattle output rises by 6.2 percent at US$118 million

Cattle production in Ireland rose by 6.2 percent or US$118.30 million (88 million euros) between 2005 and 2006, figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show.

The value of both sheep and milk output fell by 1.4 million euros (0.7 percent, US$1.88 million) and 8 million (0.6 percent, US$10.75 million) respectively in the year, according to CSO.

The CSO said the timing of subsidies as well as the modifications made on the single payment scheme to farmers had strongly influenced the good figures during the year.

The value of subsidies less taxes on production increased from 1,692 million euros in 2005 to 1,847 million euros in 2006, while the value of subsidies less taxes on products fell from 415 million euros in 2005 to a negative figure in 2006.