Finance Bill

The IFA Farm Business Committee is carefully monitoring the various stages of the Finance Bill, published last week following Budget 2016 to ensure measures are practical and workable for farmers. IFA has received confirmation that the 20% CGT rate for certain gains will apply to farmers, which will benefit those disposing of land for CPO and those reinvesting.

Cattle prices

At an IFA livestock meeting in Mullingar last week, Livestock Committee chair Henry Burns said cattle prices have turned the corner. The availability of prime steers and heifers heading into peak Christmas demand will be tight and with cattle prices in our main export market in Britain over the equivalent of €5/kg, it is clear cattle prices can rise.

Ammonia targets

Environment & Rural Affairs Committee chair Harold Kingston has called on ministers Alan Kelly and Simon Coveney to ensure discussions with the European Commission about ammonia emission targets are balanced and do not place unachievable obligations on farmers. He said a cost-effective plan must be delivered.

Glanbia meeting

The IFA met Glanbia’s CEO and chair last week to give voice to farmers’ serious anger about the September milk price cut. IFA president Eddie Downey said cuts must stop and Glanbia must commit to paying sustainable prices for the longer term. Glanbia has assured it will address concerns at forthcoming regional meetings.

QA audits

The IFA will build on progress made at a meeting with Bord Bia last week on farmers’ QA audit concerns. Following the meeting, Bord Bia has agreed that photographic evidence will only be taken with the explicit permission of the farmer in advance, and as a means of sorting problems without the need for another farm visit.