Farm schemes should be last resort for department cutbacks

AS belt tightening gets under way within the Department of Agriculture as part of Government cutbacks there is a great danger that the basis of agricultural production and income will be the main target.

Certainly the suspended farm improvement grant scheme is more likely than ever to remain in limbo. Grant approval for those still waiting for a response to their applications is looking less likely.

Rumours abound that aid to forestry will be axed, but they are officially denied.