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.

She said both schemes promote farm restructuring and the establishment of young farmers.

She said it also facilitates the availability of land and encourages the transfer of land to young people

“Agriculture can create new employment in rural areas. It is a key contributor to the rural economy,” she said.

Ms Buckley called on the Government to listen to the voting public and respect the livelihoods of the rural community.

Macra na Feirme agricultural affairs committee chairman Eddie O’Donnell said it is a false economy to arrest the development of the productive sectors such as agriculture as it is these which will drag Ireland out of recession.

Fine Gael agriculture spokesman Michael Creed, TD, said his party would bring forward a private members’ motion on the issues in the Dáil next week.

It will call for the reversal of cutbacks in the disadvantaged area scheme and for the restoration of the young farmer installation aid and early retirement scheme.

“Farmers are prepared to shoulder their fair share but they have been disproportionately targeted in this budget,” he said.

IFA deputy president Derek Deane said it is absolutely necessary to have the “disastrous” budget decisions relating to farm schemes reversed.