Preliminary estimates form the CSO of the agricultural price indices for 2014 show a 8.4% decrease in output prices from 2013 levels while input prices are estimated to decrease by 4.0%.

The projected decrease in the output price index of 8.4% is due mainly to decreases in cereals (-22.7%), potatoes (-49.7%) and cattle (-10.3%). The index for milk output prices is also estimated to be down 4.1% this year.

In terms of input prices the CSO estimates that input prices also decreased in 2014 down 4%. The CSO says the decrease is mainly due to decreases in feeding stuffs (-8.8%) and fertilisers (-3.7%).