ICSA to become a social partner

THE Government is to invite the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association to become a social partner.

ICSA president Malcolm Thompson welcomed the move last night as Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan addressed the association’s annual general meeting in Athlone.

It means the ICSA will now join with the IFA, ICMSA, Macra na Feirme and co-op umbrella body ICOS as a member of the farming pillar in the partnership process.

Mr Thompson said the news marked the ICSA’s coming of age. The invitation means it is now on an equal footing with all other social partners such as trade unions, employers and social representatives in determining the future for society and the economy.

“In my view, ICSA has earned this right. It was centrally involved at the highest EU levels during the CAP reform of 2003 and led the way in the campaign for full decoupling,” he said.

Ms Coughlan told the meeting the package of farm-specific measures in the Budget includes significant initiatives on biofuels and tax adjustments aimed at improving structural changes and meeting the competitive challenges ahead. The package will contribute overall to a more competitive and better structured farming sector, she said.

Ms Coughlan said the tax element of the package is worth some €30 million annually to farmers while over €15m is being provided over three years in support to farmers for the production of biofuels.