Protests to continue around the country until farmers 'get delivery' on number of issues
Dozens of farmers came out in support of their European counterparts in Clonakilty earlier this month. The IFA-organised tractor run was one of many held around Ireland. Picture: Andy Gibson
The Irish Farmers' Association has this week met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to highlight how "frustrated and angry" farmers are "with increased regulation, reduced supports, and falling incomes".
IFA president Francie Gorman said that while the meeting was "constructive", the Taoiseach and the Government "must deliver".
"To date, farmers have been taking actions at local level, but anger is building," Mr Gorman said.
A number of key issues were discussed at the meeting including the nitrates derogation; late payments; the need for immediate tillage supports; ash dieback; the Residential Zoned Land Tax; and work permits.
"I was clear with the Taoiseach that the Government needs to lead a unified national effort to retain the nitrates derogation. All politicians, farm organisations and the sector need to pull together to ensure the derogation stays in place," Mr Gorman said.
"The payment delays of 2023 cannot be repeated. The move to make an interim payment on ACRES is a step forward and money needs to get to farmers as a matter of urgency."
Mr Gorman said that the current phase of the IFA's 'enough is enough' campaign will continue, with farmers targeting county council meetings around the country.
As part of this campaign, Cork IFA will hold a protest at the forthcoming Cork County Council meeting this Monday, February 26, at 9:30am at the council offices, Carrigrohane Road, Co Cork.
The agricultural community in Ireland feels it is being “overregulated”, according to the IFA, with common “issues” shared with farmers who are protesting in other countries.
