Agri output prices down nearly 15% in year to May
In the 12 months to May 2026, the agricultural output price index decreased by 14.9%, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
The most significant output price reductions in the 12 months to May 2026 were in milk (23.7%), pigs (17.7%), and cattle (11.5%).
Wool prices increased substantially by 175.5%. Prices were also up for eggs (12.6%), sheep (11.4%), and poultry (5.5%).
Input prices
The agricultural input price index rose by 8% in the year to May 2026.
Over the 12 months, increases in input prices were recorded for motor fuels (33.3%), fertilisers (22.7%) and veterinary expenses (7.1%).
Terms of trade fell marginally by 0.9% in May 2026 when compared with April 2026 and was 21.2% lower when compared with May 2025.
CSO
Statistician in the CSO's agriculture division, Cian O'Riordan explained: "In May 2026, the agricultural input price index decreased by 0.3% when compared with the previous month.
"This can be largely attributed to a decrease in the motor fuels index (10.5%).
According to Simon MacAllister, co-head of geopolitical strategy at EY Ireland, the latest CSO figures highlight the continued pressure on profitability across large parts of the sector.
"The cattle, pig and dairy sectors continue to face the steepest annual declines, with output prices down 11.5%, 17.7% and 23.7% respectively over the past year.
"At the same time, farmers are contending with rising production costs, particularly for key inputs such as motor fuels and fertilisers, which increased by 33.3% and 22.7% respectively year-on-year.
"Looking ahead, sustained increases in input costs may begin to place upward pressure on agricultural output prices later in the year. The extent to which these higher costs can be absorbed by the supply chain appears limited, which increases the potential for food inflation in due course.”
