"In 2023, real agricultural income per labour unit is projected at 46.8 percent above the 2003-07 average, which is an increase of 1.8 percent per year from 2013 to 2023," the European Commission said.

This trend was the result "of a continuous decrease" in the workforce employed in agriculture, more than offsetting an expected 15.1 percent drop in real income, it added.

The report said production of main crops was expected to remain high, largely thanks to growing global food demand, notably from China.

Milk and dairy products are expected to do well, with cheese production expected to absorb most of the extra milk delivered to dairies.

Meat, which reached its lowest per capital consumption in 11 years in 2013, is expected to recover in 2014 as growth recovers across Europe, with pork remaining Europe's favourite meat.

The message came the day after Dairy UK chief executive Judith Bryans said that the government should be promoting the health benefits of dairy products rather than urging consumers to reduce consumption.

At the Semex conference in Glasgow, Dr Bryans said Public Health England’s new Change4Life campaign was hurting the dairy industry by urging shoppers to cut back on cheese, butter and whole milk to reduce their fat intake.

“To change the perception held by some health professionals that dairy foods are too fatty, the dairy industry needs to share the positive message about its products more widely,” she said.