IFA warns carbon tax must not worsen uncompetitive cost base

ANY proposed carbon tax must not impact on the already uncompetitive cost base of the farming and agri-food sector, IFA leader Padraig Walshe has warned.

He said a carbon tax on energy and export-driven transport costs at this time would only add to the difficulties being experienced by the productive sectors in trying to stay in business, provide jobs and maintain exports.

Mr Walshe strongly advised against imposing additional costs such as a carbon tax, until there are cost-effective alternatives available to farming and agri-businesses.