Farmers’ image ‘must be improved’

The public perception that farmers are whingers must be dispelled, ICSA president Malcolm Thompson told a meeting in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

He said this perceived whingeing is totally demoralising for farmers, portraying them as inferior and making them believe that their only means of survival is the European begging bowl.

Mr Thompson said the opportunities for farmers are exciting under the new single-payment system.