Mayo IFA meet local TDs to discuss priorities ahead of budget

IFA president Francie Gorman has met with Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin to discuss key farming priorities in the immediate and medium term.

Locally, Mayo IFA representatives have also been meeting with local TDs to discuss priorities in the agriculture sector ahead of the budget.

Mr. Gorman said the budget will be delivered in two weeks’ time and IFA has a suite of specific proposals it wants government to implement.

Mr. Gorman said the meetings were an opportunity to discuss the significant pressures on farm families because of the massive 57% drop in farm incomes over the last 12 months.

There was, he said, a particular focus on the need to support our vulnerable sectors.

“They face the biggest challenge in trying to reach viability. We have targeted proposals that would add to existing supports,” he said, speaking ahead of the meetings.

The president also discussed plans to exempt farmers from the RZLT and the range of incentives and reliefs that could help the sector to reach its climate targets and encourage new entrants.

“In the medium term, the retention of the Nitrates derogation is a priority. We will want to see a united show of strength by the government parties in making the case to the Commission for its retention,” he said.

Mr. Gorman said ahead of discussions on the next CAP, the government must begin the groundwork to secure an outcome that recognises the attributes of Irish farming.

“Once the new EU Commission is in place, we expect the government to make an early intervention in the debate and leave an imprint on the proposals,” he said.

The IFA's pre-budget campaign will continue around the country between now and October 1.