Farmers step up action to fight budget cuts

AS THE Government stands firm against revisiting budget cuts in agriculture, farmers are stepping up their opposition to the plans, which they say will cost them €400 million.

Regional meetings organised by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) are being attended by large crowds at venues across the country.

An estimated 300 young farmers and some planning retirement called on the Government at a weekend meeting in Portlaoise to lift the suspension on applications for entry to the installation aid and early retirement schemes for 2009.