Divilly says farmers must be notified

IFA Rural Development Committee chairman Padraic Divilly has urged Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan to notify farmers who intend to avail of the new land annuity capital buyout offer of 25%.

Mr Divilly said the write-off to 4,500 farmers of annuities less than €200 was welcome. However, the situation with the 2,300 farmers over €200 must be dealt with and each farmer must be contacted so that they can evaluate their position.

“While some farmers are likely to avail of the buyout, they must be given sufficient time to arrange their finances. Those who want to continue to pay at their current annuity rate into the future can continue to do so,” he said.