In a meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine this week, the IFA president said the combination of excessive costs and squeezed margins requires additional targeted support in the October budget.
“The National Farm Survey released by Teagasc earlier this week provides all the evidence that’s needed for the Government. No sector is immune from the vice grip of escalating costs, greater regulations and price volatility, all of which are having an impact on farm income.
“We emphasised to the Minister and his officials that farmers, across all sectors, need greater support than ever to provide a shelter for families and farm operations,” he said.
The submission also deals with measures needed to incentivise new entrants into the sector; protect the genuine farmer, and measures to promote climate action.
“The IFA will mount a nationwide campaign between now and October 1, engaging directly with politicians about the key measures needed for farmers,” he added.