IFA backs improvement scheme

IFA president Padraig Walshe has said the new Farm Improvement Scheme announced yesterday by Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan is an important development, particularly as farming moves into a more competitive era.

Ms Coughlan said the scheme flows directly from stated Government policy for the agri-food sector as elaborated in Agri-vision 2015. “This scheme is a vital component in the Government’s drive to increase competitiveness in the agriculture sector. It delivers on the commitment in the Agri-vision 2015 Action Plan to increase competitiveness as well as enhance the environment and the countryside.”

Under the scheme, grant aid will be available up to a maximum eligible investment ceiling of €120,000, with a separate ceiling of €120,000 being applicable in the case of dairy hygiene measures.