ICMSA man says farming prospects are good . . .

FARMING is still the backbone of the rural economy, says the new chairperson of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association’s rural development committee, John O’Donnell, a dairy farmer from Behybeg, Ballina, Co Mayo.

“I believe there is far too much pessimism about the demise of agriculture in Ireland at present, and certain individuals have been trying to write an epitaph for Irish farming for a number of years now. Given our huge dependence in rural Ireland on the construction sector, and that sector’s almost certain downturn in the years ahead, I feel it is essential that we retain a strong agricultural sector to avoid an employment catastrophe down the line.

“We must not forget our largest indigenous industry still remains the agri-food industry,” he said. Mr O’Donnell said reinvigorating agriculture as the backbone of the rural economy will not be easy.