ICMSA rejects farmer projection

THE Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has rejected a projection in the recently published Agri-Vision report that the numbers of full-time farmers in the country would have fallen to 10,000 by 2015.

Pat O’Rourke, president, warned that unduly pessimistic figures like the rump figure of 10,000 raised by Agri-Vision tend to become self-fulfilling.

However, there is much in the report that is constructive including many recommendations that would make a huge difference for the good of farm families. The report’s endorsement of the Brosnan findings on the nitrates directive, the stance on the need for a REPS scheme for intensive farmers, a commitment to protect farming in disadvantaged areas and the support expressed for the Early Retirement Scheme were welcome.