Families face intense pressure on incomes

Farm families are under intense income pressure from a combination of product price volatility, escalating input costs and reducing EU direct supports which have to be addressed if the farm family model of EU farming is to be maintained.

That’s what IFA president Eddie Downey told European Commissioner Phil Hogan at their first formal meeting in Brussels.

The weakening dairy situation, the need to immediately approve Ireland’s rural development programme and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy were among the issues discussed.

Simplification, trade deals, the need to open new markets for pork and beef and retailer regulation were also raised in the talks.

Mr Downey said Mr Hogan and his cabinet were well disposed to ensuring that everything possible was done to support farm families.