Agriculture in 2017 Production turning around

In 2017, agricultural production started to recover (+3.2 %) in value terms, thanks to the volumes produced, but not enough to offset the drop experienced in 2016 (-6.4%). Plant production increased by 1.9%: the sharp increase in volumes was partly offset by lower prices. In contrast, animal production in value terms increased markedly: volumes continued to fade, but prices, in particular for milk, turned around sharply.

Farmers’ expenditure decreased for the fourth year in a row. This positive development came alongside an increase in production value. Consequently, it is estimated that the added value of the agricultural sector will solidify considerably. Thus, after taking into account operating subsidies and deduction of taxes on production, gross added value at factor cost increased by 8.2% after falling by 9.0% in 2016. Furthermore, agricultural employment continues to fall. The balance of external trade in agricultural products is weakening. Export performance, lower than foreseeable, is explained by the low cereal harvest in 2016.