IFA ratifies social partnership deal

THE IFA executive council yesterday ratified the new social partnership agreement at a meeting in Dublin.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan announced last week that the package of measures for farmers will be worth €6.8 billion for the 2007-2013 period.

Major elements include a 17% increase in Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) payments, an 8% increase in Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payments, benefiting 100,000 farmers, and a 15% increase in forestry premium rates.