Written question asked by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 January 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 31 January 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on farm incomes. - Inc figures and fact that details have been placed in the Library. (Dep 02/306).

Answer: Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on farm incomes. [33079] Mr. Morley: Revised estimates of farm income, output and productivity of agriculture during 2001 were published on 31 January. These confirm the increase in farm incomes forecast last November and indicate a modest rise of 13 per cent. (11 per cent. in real terms). This increase is due to improved prices leading to higher values of output for milk, potatoes and horticulture outweighing lower values of output for cereals and livestock. Incomes are forecast to show a further rise in 2002 as the volume of cereal production returns to more normal levels and the industry starts to recover from the effects of FMD. Details have been placed in the Library of the House.

Secondary information