Livestock scheme splits farm leaders

LEADERS of the country’s two largest farming organisations have clashed over a proposed livestock scheme.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) said the strong commitment by Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan to the proposed suckler cow herd scheme should be welcomed by all involved in Irish farming.

But the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) has warned that it would not permit discrimination against the country’s 23,000 dairy herd owners in any new livestock scheme.