ICSA gets tough on national reserve

THE Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association has warned that under no circumstance must a cut in farmer’s single payments exceed 3% in order to fund the national reserve.

Malcolm Thompson, president, said not all farmers can expect to receive entitlements from the national reserve and the main focus must be to prioritise most deserving cases. “Young farmers and farmers who have made investments should be high up on the priority list.”

Mr Thompson said the ICSA has pressed for a significant rise in off farm income limits and spouses’ income should not be taken into consideration when calculating farm income.