Budget is an underwhelming one for farmers - Farm Groups

'The reduction in the farmer flat rate VAT refund from 5.6% to 5.5% was a sting in the tail that and would cost farmers €7m a year'

IFA President Tim Cullinan there were other aspects of the Budget that needed further examination. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke

Farm groups say the budget announced this week falls short of what is needed to meet the challenge facing agriculture hitting out at reductions in Vat refunds that will costs farmers millions and a lack of measures that will support actions on climate change.

The Budget 2022 measures include €1.858bn for the Department of Agriculture. Some of the key provisions include €872m in funding for rural development and forestry supports, including more than €100m in targeted supports for the beef and sheep sectors, and €80m for on-farm investments through TAMS including specific supports for solar energy installation.