HC Deb 12 November 2003 vol 413 cc290-1W
Gregory Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimates she has made of overall farm income in(a) 2001 and (b) 2002. [137254]

Mr. Bradshaw

Total income from farming in the UK is estimated to have increased by 15 per cent. (14 per cent. in real terms) from £2.0 billion in 2001 to £2.4 billion in 2002.

Total income from farming per whole-time person equivalent rose by 19 per cent. (18 per cent. in real terms) from £9.3 thousand to £11.1 thousand between 2001 and 2002.

Total income from farming is income generated by production within the agriculture industry, including subsidies. It represents business profits plus remuneration for work done by owners and other unpaid workers.

Gregory Barker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the level of income in(a) farming, (b) pig production and (c) other livestock production in the last year for which figures are available. [137271]

Mr. Bradshaw

The following table gives estimated average net farm incomes' for different types of farm businesses in England for 2001–02. Farms in the sample subject to compulsory cull due to Foot and Mouth disease in 2001 have been excluded. Estimated incomes for 2002–03 will be published on 27 November 2003.

Average net farm income per full time farm business, England

2001–02

£
All farm types 13,600
Specialist pigs 20,400
Dairy 30,700
Hill cattle and sheep 7,900
Lowland cattle and sheep 0
Source:
Farm Business Survey
1Net farm income is defined as the return to the principal farmer and spouse for their manual and managerial labour and on the tenant-type capital of the business.