Fuel price rises hitting farmers

The recent fuel price increases have serious cost implications for farmers and contractors, and are also especially harsh on rural dwellers reliant on their cars for transport, it was claimed yesterday.

ICSA rural development chairman John Heney said farmers are feeling the pinch in their own fuel bills but also as a result of silage contractors looking for an extra €10/ acre.

“Grass silage is at increasing risk of becoming uncompetitive. This is a critical problem for Irish cattle farmers,” he said. Mr Heney said that if fuel prices do not revert to a more reasonable level, then the Government will have to review its tax take on diesel and petrol.