Conservation hurting farmers

IFA has linked the failed sale of a farm, and a disappointing sale price for a second farm, to designation by the Government of the lands involved for conservation.

“We believe that farmers must be compensated for the losses which they will suffer”, said Gerry Gunning, the Executive Secretary of IFA’s Rural Development Committee.

“It is clear now that the loss not only involves restrictions on the use of the land, and income from the land, but also the capital value of the farm, if it is to be sold”, said Mr Gunning.