ICMSA warns over farming changes
Kerry ICMSA chairperson Conor Creedon said farmers have shaped the natural environment of rural Ireland - but it was an absolute disgrace that those now farming in designated areas are not being given credit for it.
Instead, they are being threatened that a percentage of their single farm payment will be taken if they do not abide by all the rules.
“Some of the rules, or notifiable actions as they are called, are far too excessive and need to be revised to allow farmers carry on with their farming in a normal and competitive fashion.
“In the Burren, for example, some of the original notifiable actions actually ended up damaging the flora and the fauna and traditional farming practices had to be reinstated.”
He said over 30% of Kerry’s land mass is designated and more is proposed for species such as the hen harrier. He called for “full and open consultation” with landowners on the issue.
He said if the National Parks and Wildlife Service was to employ staff to carry out the work the farming community does for free, it would cost them a small fortune.
“We are not asking for much, just fair levels of compensation to cover the loss of income and the loss in the value of land due to the designation.”
Mr Creedon said as the level of bureaucracy continues to increase, farmers are being pushed into a corner. He said they are expected to compete on a world market with farmers from countries that disobey every rule.
