IFA hits out at IRL leader comments

THE Irish Farmers Association has rejected comments by Irish Rural Link (IRL) that farm leaders and their organisations have pursued flawed policies for rural areas.

It said that its recently published policy document on meeting the challenges of WTO and CAP reform clearly demonstrates the group’s commitment to a viable farming and food sector and a sustainable rural economy.

Rural development committee chairman Padraig Divilly said the comments by IRL failed to recognise that agriculture is still the backbone of most rural areas.

He said it is clear in the European Commission’s regulation on Rural Development 2007-13 that the bulk of the EU funds are targeted at measures.

These involve improving the competitiveness of agriculture and the agrifood industry, along with environmental and land management schemes.

Mr Divilly said that post-decoupling, rural development support is essential to recognise farmers’ role as guardians of the countryside.

“The current rural development measures are worth in excess of €800 million annually to Irish farmers and any attempt to tamper with this will have devastating effects on rural communities.”

Mr Divilly said IRL should focus on ensuring the Government achieved tangible benefits to rural areas through the full implementation of the National Spatial Strategy and a more focused regional development policy.