ICSA: Reverse Croke Park deal before further cutting farm incomes

FARMERS should not face further cuts unless the Croke Park agreement with the public service unions is reversed, according to the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association.

In a pre-budget submission to the Department of Agriculture, ICSA president Gabriel Gilmartin said livestock farmers are down €10,000 in annual income due to cuts. He said any further cuts would undermine targets for export growth in the agri-food sector, which has provided a note of optimism despite the economic crisis.

Mr Gilmartin said: “Farming took serious hits in previous budgets with the closing down of REPS, a cut of up to €1,000 in the disadvantaged area payment, suspension of the Early Retirement Scheme/Installation aid and the halving of the suckler cow welfare scheme.”

ICSA general secretary Eddie Punch added that it would be detrimental for the livestock sector if funding is not found for schemes such as the Disadvantaged Area payment, the Suckler Cow Welfare scheme and the Agri-Environment scheme.

Mr Punch said: “We are not looking for any further cuts to public servants.

“What we are saying is that if this Government is really committed to parity of esteem — which was the logic given for the Croke Park agreement — then farmers cannot be asked to face further cuts.”