The Irish Farmers Association says there were more than 2,500 reported crimes affecting farm families in the first half of last year.
It says these figures are based on its analysis of CSO data, and represent a "considerable underreporting" of the real level of rural crime.
IFA President Eddie Downey told an Oireachtas Committee yesterday the figures include 1,720 instances of farm machinery theft and 280 burglaries of farm houses.
There were also 48 cases of cattle rustling and 280 burglaries of farm houses.
Colin Connolly, Rural Crime Prevention Executive with the IFA and former Garda, says they are concerned at the underreporting of crimes:
The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald last month announced more visible and responsive garda patrols on motorways and for rural communities.
The new scheme will see increased surveillance of criminal gangs, and enhanced night-time public order policing.
Minister Fitzgerald said €5.3m will be given to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of 260 vehicles before the end of the year.
