IFA: Many rural towns yet to see any signs of an upturn

While recent economic indicators are pointing to the beginning of a strong recovery, many rural towns and villages have yet to see any tangible signs of an upturn, the Irish Farmers Association told Oireachtas members at a pre-budget meeting in Dublin.

IFA president Eddie Downey said strong budget support for farm families will provide a necessary stimulus for rural Ireland and help to ensure that the benefits of the economic recovery are evenly spread.

He said IFA’s submission identifies funding for farm schemes and supportive taxation measures required for agriculture so that it can continue contributing to economic recovery, underpinning 300,000 jobs.