The survey of 1,000 people, carried out for the Farming Independent by Ireland Thinks, reveals a population far removed from its agrarian roots: over a third of young adults have never set foot on a farm, while many have little idea what farmers actually earn or what they receive for milk.
Yet the poll also throws up findings that will hearten farm families. Shoppers blame inflation and processors – not farmers – for the soaring cost of food, while there is overwhelming public support for allowing farmers’ children to build homes on family land. There is also strong backing for curbs on wealthy investors buying up farmland, and a majority believe farmers should be compensated for losses linked to nitrates restrictions.
Farming Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll found the public that’s sympathetic to farmers on issues like food prices, housing, and land access. But it also shows a growing gap in understanding – fewer people know farmers personally or grasp the reality of farm incomes.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – September 16th
At the same time, stark divides are evident on issues like climate change, food affordability and the role of agriculture in Ireland’s future.
Shoppers feel the squeeze – but don’t blame farmers
Rising food prices are hitting hard, with 64pc of people saying they’ve noticed a “big increase” in recent months. But only 4pc blame farmers. Instead, most point the finger at inflation generally (62pc) or food processors (22pc).
When asked about paying more to support farm incomes, the public was split down the middle — though younger people were more open to the idea. Still, 70pc of all respondents said affordability is their top concern at the supermarket, ahead of buying Irish.
City-country divide widens on farm knowledge
The survey also highlights a deep disconnect between farming and wider society. Nationally, 26pc of people say they’ve never been on a working farm, rising to 35pc in Dublin and 38pc among 18–34 year olds.
Knowledge of farm incomes is wildly off the mark. Teagasc puts the average farm income at €35,000 in 2024, but a quarter of people guessed it was above €50,000, while many believed suckler farmers were earning double or triple their actual average of €18,000.
Even at the most basic level, understanding of milk prices is shaky: more than a third of respondents believed dairy farmers got less than 30c a litre, while 1 in 10 thought it was under 10c.
Huge support for housing on family farms
Rural housing remains one of the most contentious issues in planning — but the public is firmly on the side of farm families. A striking 83pc say sons and daughters of farmers should be allowed to build on the home place, with just 9pc opposed.
Anger at wealthy land buyers
The public also sympathises with farmers squeezed out of land markets by high-rollers. Nearly two-thirds (65pc) support restrictions on very wealthy individuals buying farmland.
However, people are more divided on inheritance rules. Less than a third back tighter limits on the amount of land that can be passed on tax-free, while almost half oppose such a move.
Climate change: a country split down the middle
On climate, the survey shows sharp divides. Just 29pc support cutting cattle numbers to reduce emissions, while 33pc think farmers aren’t doing enough on climate and 38pc say they are.
Support for herd reductions is highest among younger, urban respondents and lowest among rural and older groups. Meanwhile, a slim majority (52pc) back compensation for farmers losing out under the nitrates derogation.