Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 Sep, 2025 to 31 Dec, 2025
Specific Details
Irish Food Price Analysis
Intended results
To highlight that it is the case that the increase in food prices over the past 12 months has exceeded general inflation, increasing by 5.1% in comparison with an increase of 2% in the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). However, while food price increases have exceeded inflation over the past 12 months, over the longer-term food price increases have lagged significantly behind general inflation or that of other utilities such as electricity.
To highlight that there are numerous factors that have resulted in a sharp increase in food prices but chief among them has been a reduced supply of agricultural output. Over the past decade, a combination of a substantial increase in regulations reducing farm productivity along with chronically lowincome levels have seen a major decline in EU livestock numbers. This has been a key reason for recent food price increases.
To emphasise that, despite improved commodity price increases, the likelihood of a reversal in the decline in agricultural output is far from certain. Recent EU Commission proposals to slash funding towards its Common Agricultural Policy by circa 20% would, if they came to pass, most likely further negatively impact EU agricultural output.
To highlight that the EU Commission, in their own forecasts, are predicting significant reductions in overall EU agricultural output .These projections point to a further tightening in supply of agricultural goods within the EU. More concerningly, these projections were completed before proposals to significantly cut CAP funding were published.
To stress that, with the significant increase in food prices, many have assumed this has led to a significant increase in farm incomes. While 2024 did see a sizeable increase in average farm income and a further increase is likely in 2025, farm incomes still trail far behind when compared with average industrial wages in Ireland.
That Teagasc, through their National Farm Survey, estimate the average income of a full-time farming labour unit in 2024 was €34,321, significantly higher than the 2023 figure of €18,800. However, this was still substantially lower than the average industrial wage for the same period which the CSO estimate to be €47,462 – 38% higher. Despite the substantial increase in food prices, farmer incomes still lag well behind incomes in the wider Irish economy.
That EU agricultural policy continues to pursue a path of reducing food production rather than encouraging it. CAP proposals as well as ongoing tightening of regulations such as nitrates, have seriously impacted the productivity of Irish and EU food production. Food is one of the most precious commodities in the world and it is likely to get more expensive into the future.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Tadhg Buckley IFA Director of Policy, Elaine Farrell IFA Director of Governance & Oireachtas Engagement
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Mass communications
Submission All TDs
Letter All TDs
Submission All Senators
Letter All Senators
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Informal communication (2-5)
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Brendan Smith
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Jack Chambers
Minister (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform)
Marian Harkin
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Martin Heydon
Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Michael Healy-Rae
Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Paschal Donohoe
Minister (Department of Finance)
Christopher O’Sullivan
Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)
Simon Harris
Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)
Peter Burke
Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)
Micheál Martin
Taoiseach (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)