IFA claims budget decision to slash forestry premiums by 8% leading to job losses in the sector

THE budget decision to cut forestry premiums by 8% is already costing jobs in the industry, the Irish Farmers Association has claimed.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said the afforestation programme has been sold to farmers as guaranteed tax-free income for 20 years.

“This has formed the basis for farmers’ decision to plant. But farmers will not plant if the Government does not honour its guarantee and reverse cuts to forestry premia,” he said.