Farmers’ cost burden must be cut

STEPS must be taken in the Budget to reduce the cost burden on farming, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association president Pat O’Rourke declared yesterday.

Presenting the ICMSA pre-budget submission to Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy, he said the Government imposed costs of over €70 million on the farming sector in the 2003 book of estimates and budget.

“This is clearly unacceptable and must be changed. ICMSA is calling for increases in the VAT rebate to farmers, a reduction in disease levies and changes to the stamp duty and capital allowances regimes to reduce costs on farmers in the 2004 budget,” he said.