Figures meet accord commitments

THE figures contained in the pre-Budget report of Finance Minister Brian Cowen meet the commitments in the partnership agreement on initial assessment, according to IFA leader Padraig Walshe.

He said farmers were investing heavily in environmental schemes and upgrading farm facilities, and the Government’s support schemes were vital to maintain this momentum.

Mr Walshe said the expectation is that up to 70,000 farmers would participate in the REPS scheme in the next few years. “Clearly, under the new situation, final decisions will be made on Budget day and I will be meeting the minister in advance to discuss the details,” he said.