Edition Bobbett1. Texts by Elizabeth F. Bobbett: 1.1.3. Correspondence, Letters to newspapers

1947 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to the Irish Times, 06.02.1947

Agricultural Prices

Sir. On January 9th, 1947, an article appeared in the daily Press headed "Agricultural Prices Steady." It said: "Agricultural prices continue to remain relatively steady. The index figure for November was 197 (base 100, August, 1939), compared with 196 in October, and 197 in November, 1945. The average price for 1945 was 190, compared with 139 in 1941, and the cost of living figure for November, 1946, was 293, compared with 298 for November, 1945."

Naturally, most people, on reading the above, will think the farmers are doing very well. But here are the facts: The agricultural price index base is now taken as from 1938, base at 100. But the fact is not disclosed that the 1938 agricultural price index base is on a par with the agricultural prices of 1914.

Therefore, farmers are only getting an advantage on the 1914 price index base, when prices were almost at the lowest point in the history of the industry.

As farmers' cost of production (which include cost of living, agricultural wages and rates on agricultural land) have increased by hundreds per cent since 1938, not to mention 1914, the farmers' price base in reality, it is only fair that when giving the agricultural price index figures, the cost of production figures should also be given.

We farmers only demand fair play. Yours, etc., Elizabeth F. Bobbett, General Secretary, Irish Farmers' Federation, Wicklow, February 3rd, 1947.