The vital role of farm grants

THE suspension last June of farm modernisation schemes by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food came as a shock to farmers.

Just how significant a decision it was is highlighted by Teagasc research, which reveals that government grants are the single most important determinant of farm investment in Ireland.

In other words, just as the Food Harvest 2020 report sets ambitious targets to grow the agricultural sector, requiring significant farm investment, the main incentive to invest has been removed.