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.

Mr O’Rourke said the responsibility for making sure that the positive aspects of the report are implemented rests squarely with the Department of Agriculture and Food.