AGRICULTURAL INCOME IN 2008 - FIRST FORECASTS

According to the first estimates for 2007, the value of the agricultural output increased slightly. The year is marked by abundant harvests of grain and falling prices. Conversely cattle prices reflected the rising costs of feed. The expenditures of farmers are also burdened by soaring prices of fertilizer and fuel oil. Overall, agricultural income per labour unit in real terms fell by 9% in 2008 and Entrepreneurial income per non salaried labour unit in real terms by 15%,while both income indicators were on the upside the last two years.