Agricultural History Review, Volume 62 Part 2 (2014), pp. 337–359

This article focuses on the experiences of Irish agriculture, and agricultural policy initiatives, during the final months of the mid-1970s pan-European drought. Overall, Ireland’s agricultural sector experienced some production problems arising from heat and moisture stress but was not severely affected. Nationally barley and potato yields fell most markedly, and with grass growth generally depressed, purchases of animal feedstuffs rose substantially. Milk yield increased, as did farm-gate output prices, strikingly so for potatoes. In many cases, rises in nominal family farm income surpassed considerably the rate of general inflation. Immediate policy measures included aids to private beef storage and thwarting the potato smuggling incentivized by export restrictions and higher prices overseas. By and large central government responded well. The main focus of political concern was the adverse impact of weather-induced food price rises on low-income consumers. 

Complete Volume PDF