Macra na Feirme has laid out its priorities for budget 2021, focusing on taxation and funding measures specifically directed at young farmer incomes, rural job opportunities and the environment.
Macra president Thomas Duffy said: “The Government needs to step up and show their support for young people in rural Ireland.
"Young farmers need the opportunity to contribute to the local economy and establish themselves without large debt.”
Tax
The proposal includes changes to existing measures, such as tax exemption on the leasing of farmland to family members under the age of 30, along with a continuation of consanguinity relief to 2025.
Proposed measures include a dedicated debt mediation service for farmers, VAT exemptions on safety equipment and sexed semen to stimulate practice change.
“We need to see creative ideas to achieve these asks. Between Brexit and greater environmental business, it’s now we need to see real investment in the future of farming,” agricultural affairs chair Shane Fitzgerald said.
Transport
Proposals around rural transport and infrastructure are prominent in Macra’s submission.
These include an increase in the work from home allowance, a micro-grant scheme for those unable to access broadband through fibre and increasing the availability of apprenticeships.
Macra has also called on the Government to make free travel available for under 25s to reduce financial pressure of car ownership and to address Ireland's transport emissions.
Mental health
On social aspects, Macra has also highlighted the lack of provision of services in mental health care and in rural drug use.
“COVID has taught us many lessons, not least that the impossible is very possible. Funds have appeared that can now be better used to make real change and provide a future for rural Ireland, but only if the Government acts now,” Duffy concluded.
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Macra na Feirme has laid out its priorities for budget 2021, focusing on taxation and funding measures specifically directed at young farmer incomes, rural job opportunities and the environment.
Macra president Thomas Duffy said: “The Government needs to step up and show their support for young people in rural Ireland.
"Young farmers need the opportunity to contribute to the local economy and establish themselves without large debt.”
Tax
The proposal includes changes to existing measures, such as tax exemption on the leasing of farmland to family members under the age of 30, along with a continuation of consanguinity relief to 2025.
Proposed measures include a dedicated debt mediation service for farmers, VAT exemptions on safety equipment and sexed semen to stimulate practice change.
“We need to see creative ideas to achieve these asks. Between Brexit and greater environmental business, it’s now we need to see real investment in the future of farming,” agricultural affairs chair Shane Fitzgerald said.
Transport
Proposals around rural transport and infrastructure are prominent in Macra’s submission.
These include an increase in the work from home allowance, a micro-grant scheme for those unable to access broadband through fibre and increasing the availability of apprenticeships.
Macra has also called on the Government to make free travel available for under 25s to reduce financial pressure of car ownership and to address Ireland's transport emissions.
Mental health
On social aspects, Macra has also highlighted the lack of provision of services in mental health care and in rural drug use.
“COVID has taught us many lessons, not least that the impossible is very possible. Funds have appeared that can now be better used to make real change and provide a future for rural Ireland, but only if the Government acts now,” Duffy concluded.
Read more
Budget 2021: ICMSA calls for dairy beef scheme and PTO scrappage scheme
Agriculture's 10-year road map due in coming months - Taoiseach
Agri student exclusion from €15m fund tops agenda as Macra meets minister
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