Farmers warn cuts to farm schemes will hurt economy’s ‘leading sector’

THE Budget needs to recognise the key role of farm schemes in driving production and economic activity in the rural economy, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association.

IFA president John Bryan said: “It would be counterproductive for the Government to cut farm schemes, given the strong export performance of the agri-food sector this year.

“As it finalises Budget 2012, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and the Government must prioritise funding for the sectors that are expanding. Agriculture requires Government investment through funding for farm schemes, which are a critical support for farm income and production.”