IFA calls for exemptions from 1% budget levy

IFA president Padraig Walshe has called for all on low income — including farmers — to be exempted from the 1% income levy, and account taken of normal depreciation and investment allowances when levying farmers and self employed.

He said there was huge anger at targeting of low-income drystock farmers in budget cuts.

IFA calculates 2009 estimate shortfalls and budget cutbacks total more than €400 million, including €325m from the farm waste management scheme; €34m each from the suckler cow welfare scheme and disadvantaged areas; €15m from the farm investment scheme and €14m from the fallen animals scheme.