Around 72% of farmers would likely give their first preference vote to a farmers' party should one emerge, a survey has suggested.
The poll was conducted by the Irish Farmers Journal and surveyed 1,980 farmers.
It was analysed by the Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative (IFAC) and was conducted between 24 and 27 July.
Since the political success of the farmer citizen party BBB in the Netherlands last March, there have been discussions about the possibility of an Irish farmer party.
The survey also shows Fine Gael's support among farmers is continuing to fall, although it remains the most popular choice among farmers.
Around 34% of farmers support Fine Gael, down 4% from last December when a comparable survey was conducted.
Support for independents is at 24%, ahead of Fianna Fail at 23% which is unchanged and Sinn Féin is at 12%.
Asked for their views on how Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue is doing in his job, only 21% of respondents said he is doing a good job, down from 37% last January.
The survey also shows 80% of farmers expect their income to drop this year and the rising cost of living is affecting 98% of farming households.
