Ferris calls for R&D in farm sector
Mr Ferris welcomed the extension of stock relief for young qualified farmers and a tax relief scheme for farmers taking anti-pollution measures, but said they were marginal and did not address Irish farmers’ long-term needs.
Calling for substantial investment in research and development, he quoted former Teagasc director Prof Liam Downey, who said farming in marginal areas may disappear by 2020 unless proper research is put in place.
Mr Ferris said there are almost 100,000 farmers who will be entitled to less than €10,000 under the Single Farm Payment, offering the possibility of some basic income security. But it will not be enough to maintain most small to medium farms unless they can move into areas of production that provide viable returns.
With farmers no longer tied to the need to produce to draw down subsidies, there is an opening for systems that can tie into an expanded domestic processing sector.
However, that will only happen if there is research and development back-up.
“That can only be done with the support of the State. The programme of cutbacks in Teagasc indicates the political will to do it is not there,” Mr Ferris said.
Macra na Feirme president Thomas Honner welcomed the renewal of the stock relief measures for young farmers. These were due to run out on December 31.
Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan said expenditure next year will be a record €3.3 billion.
Environment and Local Government Minister Dick Roche said significant tax concessions show the Government is determined to assist the sector in adjusting to the changes required by the national nitrates action programme.
