- output of agriculture at producer prices in real value terms remaining nearly stable (+0.1%);
- a small decrease in input costs (-0.3%) and a slight increase in depreciation (+0.1%), in real terms;
- a rise in the real value of subsidies net of taxes (+0.8%).
These estimates for the EU27 published by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities, are based on data supplied by the national authorities in the Member States.
Agricultural income per worker in 2006 was above the levels of 2005 in twenty one Member States. The largest increases were observed in the Netherlands (+15.1%), Poland (+10.6%) and Belgium (+9.2%), while the largest decreases were recorded in Ireland (-13.3%), Finland (-7.8%) and Estonia (-5.2%).
EU27 agricultural output in 2006 remained almost stable, due to a small increase in crop production (+0.2%) and a small decrease in animal production (-0.1%). In crop production the fall in output volume (-2.7%) was compensated by growth in producer prices (+3.0%). The sharpest reductions in crop volumes were recorded for sugar beet (-17.8%) and olive oil (-12.7%). Producer prices of potatoes (+35.7%), cereals (+11.2%), olive oil (+10.4%) and oil seeds (+8.2%) rose significantly. Despite the drop in production volume, the producer price of sugar beet fell by 17.4%.
The slight decrease in the value of animal output in 2006 is the result of a fall in production volumes (-0.6%) and a rise in producer prices (+0.5%). The increase in the output volume of cattle (+0.7%) was accompanied by growth in producer prices (+5.8%). On the other hand, in the case of poultry, both production volumes (-4.3%) and producer prices (-2.1%) decreased significantly. The real value of pig production grew, mainly due to a rise in producer prices (+2.6%).
The volume of input costs (intermediate consumption) fell by 1.8%. The most significant decrease was recorded for fertilisers and soil improvers (-3.9%). Real prices of input costs grew by 1.5%, mainly driven by the sharp increase in energy prices (+7.4%).
Agricultural income comprises the income generated by agricultural activities (as well as inseparable non-agricultural, secondary activities) over a given accounting period, even though in certain cases the corresponding revenues will not be received until a later date. It does not, therefore, constitute the income effectively received in the course of the accounting period itself. Moreover, it must not be confused with the total income of farming households as it does not comprise income from other sources (non-agricultural activities, salaries, social benefits, income from property).
