Teagasc programme to help farmers prepare for changes

TEAGASC is to tackle the massive economic impact of the world trade agreement on Irish farmers through its new options programme.

Teagasc launched the programme earlier this year to help farmers consider all options to maintain and improve their incomes following the introduction of the EU single farm payment.

But the outcome of the Hong Kong talks has now put a new focus on the programme, with the Irish Farmers’ Association and others predicting that the deal will force tens of thousands of Irish farmers out of business in the years ahead.