IFA outlines development plan priorities

THE Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has set down key priorities for the next rural development plan, which the Government is due to submit to the European Commission shortly.

Speaking at a public consultation seminar in Tullamore yesterday, IFA rural development committee chairman Padraic Divilly said the priority for the next plan (2007-2013) must be to help farmers meet a range of objectives.

These include competitiveness, structural reform, agri-environment, alternative land uses, the maintenance of farming in less favoured areas and support to the wider rural economy.