This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Rise in farm income forecasts
29/11/2001
A fourteen per cent rise in total farm income figures illustrates the resilience of Scottish farmers, Ross Finnie said today.
Total Income From Farming in 2001 in Scotland is forecast to rise by fourteen per cent - a twelve per cent rise in real terms. TIFF represents business profits plus income to farmers, partners and directors and those with an entrepreneurial interest in the businesses.
Commenting on the 2001 aggregate farm income forecasts published today by the Scottish Executive, the Minister for the Environment and Rural Development said:
"I welcome the rise in incomes but I am well aware that they still remain at historically low levels. Given the hardship caused by Foot and Mouth Disease the fourteen per cent increase in total income from farming is a tribute to the resilience of Scottish farmers.
"Now we are once again able to export our livestock products to Europe and coupled with the continued relaxation of FMD restrictions, I very much hope that next year will see a further increase in farm incomes."
Revised Scottish farm income estimates giving more detail based on more up-to-date information will be published on 31 st January 2002
Total Income From Farming per whole time person equivalent in Scotland is forecast to have also risen in real terms to over £8,600. Although above last year's level, in real terms TIFF in Scotland is forecast to be some two-thirds below its recent peak in 1995 (after almost trebling between 1990 and 1995).