ANY cuts in farm schemes in next week’s budget will hit jobs in the farming and agri-food sector which support 300,000 livelihoods, the Irish Farmers Association said yesterday.

A PETITION calling for the complete re-opening of farm schemes suspended in the budget is being taken up by Macra na Feirme among young farmers countrywide for presentation to Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

THE detection last week of fresh cases of bluetongue among imported cattle in Britain has led to Macra na Feirme calling on Irish farmers to remain vigilant.

MACRA na Feirme’s new national chairman is Michael Gowing from Portlaoise, Co Laois.

THE three winners of the 2007 Bank of Ireland Business Banking-Macra na Feirme national leadership awards are from South Tipperary, Meath and Wicklow.

MARKET power is the biggest issue facing farmers, it was claimed at an awards ceremony in Limerick.