Policies must protect family farms, says IFA

Profitability for family farms must govern the policy decisions of the Government and the EU, says IFA president Eddie Downey.

Addressing the IFA’s AGM in Dublin, Mr Downey outlined10 policies IFA members believe are needed to safeguard the future of family farming. These began with the immediate implementation of the new farm schemes, with the early opening of GLAS, with all applicants accepted, and a substantial payment made in 2015. The IFA also wants a reversal of cuts to farmers in disadvantaged areas.

“Product prices have risen, but by nowhere near enough to offset the rise in input costs and cuts to direct payments in particular, while the constant downward pressure by retailers on our returns is impacting hard,” said Mr Downey.