Scottish Farm Incomes January 28, 2015 12:00 am The profitability of Scottish farming is estimated to have dropped 18% in real terms in 2014 compared to 2013. Total Income From Farming (TIFF), the aggregate measure of returns in the sector, dropped from £823m to £688m. There were falls in the output of potatoes, and also cereals during the year. The value of support also dropped. But milk output was higher and feed costs were lower. It should be noted that the 2013 TIFF figure was the highest since 1995 – so the reduction is from a high base. However, an 18% drop illustrates the tougher business conditions faced by farmers last year. Although the Scottish and UK TIFF trends can differ quite markedly, it would be a surprise if the UK figures do not also show a substantial fall when they are published in April. The full Scottish data can be found at – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2015/01/5539.
