FG thumbs up to relief scheme which aids farmers hit by severe winter

THE process farmers must go through to qualify for aid as a result of the damage caused to crops by severe frost this past winter is complicated, according to Fine Gael.

However Andrew Doyle, TD, food and horticulture spokesperson, said the once-off scheme was welcome.

It provides a limited contribution to certain potato and vegetable growers, who incurred significant losses. Payment is made on the basis of more than 30% of the average annual production being destroyed by frost.