Macra urges emphasis on rural collaboration

Macra na Feirme has urged Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to open the new collaborative farming scheme under the rural development programme.

The scheme encourages farmers to consider collaborative farming arrangements as it helps to offset the initial costs of establishing these arrangements.

Macra president Seán Finan said the scheme is expected to provide a 50% grant, up to a maximum of €2,500 to offset the costs incurred. He said collaborative arrangements are a way of encouraging more entrants into the industry.