€12.5bn boost for agri sector unveiled

The allocation of €12.5bn in Common Agricultural Policy funding for the agri sector over the next seven years is a “massive boost” for rural jobs and balanced regional development, according to the Taoiseach.

Enda Kenny said almost €4bn of the funding, including €1.9bn from the exchequer, will be spent on the Rural Development Programme which will invest in farms to help grow the indigenous food and drink sector which produced almost €10bn worth of exports last year.

“At a time of scare resources, the investment of €550m a year in the agri sector represents the Government’s strong commitment to job creation and investment in our rural communities,” said Mr Kenny.