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.