Mixed response from livestock farmers

OVERALL there is nothing in the Budget that could possibly counteract the likely negative effects of a bad World Trade Organisation deal for the livestock sector.

While we welcome the announcement of supports for biofuels, which is a step in the right direction, it does not go far enough.

Targeted excise duty relief, starting at €20m and rising to €50m, over a three-year period, sends out the right signals, but needs to be more ambitious if biofuels are to become a new and viable enterprise on Irish farms. This is especially urgent in view of the imminent demise of the Irish sugar sector.

I welcome the €1 billion on-farm investment package, the extension of stamp duty exemptions for young trained farmers and continuation of land leasing tax concessions.

Eddie Punch

General Secretary

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association

Portlaoise

Co Laois