Election 2024: Farming — 'There is genuine fear out there among farmers... Trust is gone'

Cork dairy farmer Sean Moher tells Emer Walsh the industry needs reassurance from the next government on issues including the nitrates derogation and speedier delivery of schemes such as ACRES

Farmer Sean Moher on his farm at Croughmore, Mitchelstown, Co Cork: 'You get the impression that you could make a massive investment in the farm and the next day, it could be wiped off by somebody asleep at the wheel. Trust is gone.' Picture: Dan Linehan

Years of uncertainty in the agriculture sector have led to a damaging reluctance among farmers to invest, with many unwilling to risk a rise in spending, amid fears that a future government’s policies will interfere, a Cork-based dairy farmer has said. 

With the election campaign in its final days, farmers — from small independent farms to industry group leaders — will be seeking assurances of support from political parties, should they be elected.