Cuts to farm schemes add to farmer frustration

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association hosted its Annual Conference 2012 in Dublin last week.

The conference asked the question, “Where now for Food Harvest 2020?” and was addressed by an impressive line-up of speakers — Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD; Dr Alan Ahearne, NUIG economist; and Dr Thia Hennessy, Teagasc Head of Agricultural Economics.

In his opening address to the delegates, ICSA national president Gabriel Gilmartin reflected on the farming year gone by, and challenged the Government on its commitment to the expansion targets of Food Harvest 2020.