IFA give minister deadline to solve waste management scheme crux

THE Irish Farmers Association yesterday gave Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith until tomorrow to come up with a solution to the farm waste management payments crux.

Because of the pressure on public finances, the Government decided last week to phase the payment of an estimated €550 million to 17,000 farmers for environmental works completed under the scheme. Mr Smith also undertook to meet with the main banks and recommend that they facilitate those farmers who are due grants, which the State is committed to paying in full.

But the IFA president Padraig Walshe said yesterday the minister cancelled a meeting due to have been held on Friday, and, while he spoke with him on the phone that day, he had gone to ground since.

“The IFA position is clear. It is demanding full payment of all monies due to 17,000 farmers. Any arrangement the minister comes to with the banks is a matter between him and the banks.”

Mr Walshe said he was giving the minister until tomorrow to come up with a solution. The 40:40:20 option was fast becoming a non-runner, as banks were putting pressure on hard-pressed farmers.

Meanwhile, Macra na Feirme president Catherine Buckley said young farmers are becoming seriously disillusioned with the Government’s approach to their sector.

Ms Buckley said the effect of the delayed payments is directly proportionate to the finance option farmers used. Some farmers opted for more temporary credit arrangements on the understanding payments would be made within 14 weeks of works completed and receipts returned.