Farm Income Increases

1st February 2012

Income from farming in Scotland in 2011 has risen by £23 million compared with 2010, according to the latest statistics.

Scotland's Chief Statistician has today published Scottish Farm Income Estimates 2011 which gives a national estimate of total income across agricultural holdings, alongside a breakdown of farm outputs, costs and subsidies.

The figures show:

Total income from farming increase by £23 million to £596 million - a rise of 4.1 per cent before inflation
A £338 million (13.9 per cent) increase in agricultural outputs
Input and other costs rose £277 million (13 per cent)

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:"It's good news that income from farming has increased and the statistics show we have also seen large increases in farm outputs - reflecting the strong prices in many sectors with a growing population fuelling growing demand.

"Following hard on the heels of yesterday's Lloyds Banking Group's agriculture survey - which showed optimism for the future at a 16 year high - these figures show there are grounds for our farmers to look to the future with growing confidence.

"However, while high prices are to be welcomed this needs to be balanced against rising costs, notably for feed, fuel and fertiliser. One of the challenges farmers face is to make the most efficient use of high value resources and we are continuing to do what we can to support these efforts. Going forward we will redouble our efforts to reduce input costs to help the industry benefit from rising incomes."