Young farmers protest at suspension of aid schemes

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 petition was launched at a national protest rally attended by hundreds of young farmers in Tullamore, Co Offaly, last night, during which the suspension of the installation aid scheme and the early retirement scheme were sharply criticised. Farmers affected by the scheme were told they can support the petition by logging on to the Macra website, www.macra.ie

Macra president Catherine Buckley said the meeting had been called to rally the troops of young farmers affected by the suspension of the schemes.