Disappointing harvests, lower prices : 2005 is difficult for the crop
sector
In 2005 the farms covered by the Reseau d’information comptable agricole
(RICA/ FADN) show a drop of 9.4% in real current pre-tax income, after
an increase of 2.6% in 2004. As in 2003, farms again face drought
conditions in 2005, which penalise most crop harvests. Production falls
in almost every sector, as do most selling prices. Except for market
garden produce and horticulture, all plant orientations suffer a decline
in results. For arboriculture and wine-growers in particular, 2005 is a
very difficult year