(19 October 2018) – The Commission published today the latest Farm Economics Overview report which shows that incomes in the EU farming sector grew in 2014 and 2015, which increase reverses the decline seen in 2013.
Particularly strong income growth was seen in the horticultural and wine sectors and for permanent crops (mainly fruit and berry trees, bushes, vines and olive trees).
This trend was however not uniform, with the dairy sector showing declining incomes during these two years, principally as a result of global over-production leading to lower prices.
The latest figures highlight the wide variety of farm structures and systems within the EU and the considerable differences between sectors and Member States.
Direct payments from the Common Agricultural Policy still represent a significant support to Europeans farmers, accounting on average for 30% of the farm value in the 28 EU countries in 2015, which demonstrates their value as vital income support to millions of farmers.