Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2017-2018

This analysis is based on the March 2019 published statistics for the period 2017-2018. Revisions have been made to correct for a processing error affecting these estimates. Revised 2017-18 data is available in the Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2018-19 publication. For the most recent data, visit the Scottish farm business income (FBI) collection page below.


Farm business income rises but still dependent on support

Farm business income rises but still dependent on support

The Scottish Government collects financial data from nearly 500 farm businesses that helps us to estimate the incomes across the industry. We call this Farm Business Income (FBI). Information on the types of farms included in the survey is available on our website.

Average Farm Business Income £35,400

Farm income has increased in the past year. Average income is estimated at £35,400 which is a six year high and a 19 per cent increase from the previous year.

Subsidies play an important role in farm incomes. In the survey over 60 per cent of farms were making a loss, with the average business making a loss of £7,400 without additional support in 2017-18.

The cost of raw materials to farms and the produce they sell both increased. With increased subsidy payments and revenues from diversified activities, this led to an overall increase in Farm Business Income in 2017-18.

Contact

Email: agric.stats@gov.scot

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