Sheep funding

The estimated €5m underspend from the Sheep Welfare Scheme must be fully protected for the sheep sector, sheep chair John Lynskey has said. The IFA worked hard to secure €25m in funding for the sheep sector, and has already been in contact with Department of Agriculture on how the €5m underspend could be used. The IFA will consult widely with sheep producers on this matter.

Nitrates submission

In a submission to the current Nitrates Review, the IFA has called for the continuation of the derogation for the dairy and livestock sector and the transitional arrangements for pig and poultry farmers, as well as more flexibility on slurry spreading, a reduction in administrative penalties and increased nutrient allowances. Read the full submission at www.ifa.ie.

ANC funding increase

IFA rural development chair Joe Brady has called on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to confirm his commitment to increase funding for the ANC scheme in 2018 to €230m. He said the minister’s decision to support a deferral of the ANC review must not deflect from the Programme for Government commitment, secured by the IFA, that the funding for the scheme would increase by €25m in 2018.

Bloom ticket offer

All IFA members can get €2 off tickets to the Bloom Garden Festival, taking place over the June bank holiday weekend in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Book online before the event and use the promotional code IFA17 to get an extra €2 discount off either the early bird or advance ticket price. Find out more about the event or book your ticket online at www.bloominthepark.com.