IFA: Budget cuts 'unthinkable'

The Irish Farmers' Association says cuts to the farming industry in next month's Budget are "simply unthinkable".

In its pre-Budget submission to the Minister for Finance, it is warning the Government to leave hard-pressed farmers alone.

President of the association Padraig Walshe says investment must be made in primary production, which he says is key to maintaining jobs in the sector.

Meanwhile, the EU has passed emergency legislation allowing governments to make a once-off bailout payment to struggling farms.

It means member states can give farms up to €15,000 to stay afloat.

Ireland was among the 22 countries that lobbied for the measure but so far only France and Germany have agreed to make the payments.