Horse breeders seek €16m in funding

THE production of thoroughbred horses could provide rural communities with a viable alternative to mainstream farming, according to the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA).

The body confirmed yesterday that it had made a submission to the Department of Agriculture and Food on the potential of the industry, seeking €16.26 million in funding towards five specific measures — under the 2007-2013 National Development Plan for Rural Development and Agriculture.

This would supplement €20.51m in funding that has already been put in place by the industry.

According to the ITBA, production is currently firmly rooted in the hands of the small producer, with 93% of the brood mare population owned by farmers with four or less mares.

Sales of Irish thoroughbreds in 2005 were worth at least €308 million.

An estimated 18,035 full time and 2,255 part time jobs are already provided in the sector.

The funds being sought are for training programmes (€2.76m), job creating equine initiatives (€2.5m), research (€3m), modern housing and handling facilities (€8m), and sector representation in expanded EU and newer emerging markets (€0.6m).