The Agricultural Output Price Index rose by 20.7% in the 12 months to May 2025, and the Agricultural Input Price Index rose slightly by 0.1% over the same period.

According to the latest data published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) today (July 15), the most significant output price increases over the 12-month period were in cattle (48%), wool (31.9%), and milk (14.2%).

Meanwhile, decreases were recorded in potatoes (15.1%), and sheep (7%) during the same period.

Over the 12 months to May 2025, increases in the Input prices were recorded for fertilisers (10.2%) and veterinary expenses (4.7%),

During the same period, the input price of motor fuels fell by 8%, and the price of feeding stuffs fell by 2.3%.

The CSO data revealed that the terms of trade also fell by 0.6% in May 2025 when compared with the previous month, and was 20.6% higher when compared with May 2024.

Commenting on the release, senior statistician in the agriculture division of the CSO, Sam Scriven said: "Agricultural prices fell in the month to May 2025 with the Agricultural Output Price Index decreasing by 0.8% and the Input Price Index falling by 0.2%.

"The output price indices for cattle (48.0%), milk (14.2%), and eggs (4.2%) all rose over the 12 months to May 2025 while the indices for potatoes (15.1%) and sheep (7.0%) were both lower than in May 2024," Scriven added.

The agricultural output price indices are intended to measure trends in the price of agricultural produce sold by farmers.

The agricultural input price indices are designed to measure trends in the price of farm inputs purchased for current consumption, such as non-capital materials and services.

Both indices are compiled on the average farm concept. The average farm concept includes both sales to other economic sectors as well as sales/purchases of agricultural output between agricultural units for intermediate consumption purposes, excluding trade in animals between agricultural units.