Drystock farmers increasingly unhappy with rise in Teagasc fees

Drystock farmers are expressing increasing disquiet over fee increases in Teagasc’s new discussion groups.

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association president Gabriel Gilmartin said many farmers are being told they will be paying €395 per annum rather than €250, if they wish to avail of the new scheme.

Mr Gilmartin said: “There is a widespread feeling that schemes such as AEOS [agri-environment options scheme] and the discussion group schemes are being set up to maximise Teagasc income at a time when the Croke Park agreement is meant to deliver a more cost-effective public sector.