Profitability, Productivity and Resilience in the agri-food sector

By Professor Frank O'Mara

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Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, delivered a presentation at the Nuffield International Triennial, held at Queen’s University Belfast on May 18th 2026.

The presentation explored themes of profitability, productivity and resilience in agriculture. Drawing on data from the Teagasc National Farm Survey, which has monitored more than 900 farms over a period of more than 50 years.

Key Conclusions

• Large and increasing divergence between incomes earned by different farm systems
• The number of farm holders with off-farm income is increasing
• Productivity has increased and progress is continuing
• Income volatility has increased on dairy and tillage farms
• The income smoothing effect of stable direct payment receipts on family farm income has declined
• Research and knowledge transfer play a critical role in profitability, productivity and resilience