Billion on table for six years of rural development

A BILLION euro for rural development in Ireland from 2007 to 2013 is on the cards if we retain our share of the available Brussels funding.

However, the funds must for the first time be distributed among 25 member states, and will include a special support fund for semi-subsistence farmers in the 10 new Member States, to help them become competitive.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler announced plans last week to boost the next six year round of Brussels aid for rural development from €7bn to €13bn.