Rural charter

IFA deputy president Tim O’Leary has called for the new Government to support farming and the wider rural economy by implementing the measures contained in the association’s rural affairs policy document. The IFA’s policy charter for rural Ireland identifies key measures to deliver a balanced economic recovery. See www.ifa.ie.

SAC clarification

IFA SAC project chair Tom Turley has got clarification on the position for farmers with Natura land in relation to 2016 BPS applications. If Natura land was claimed in 2008, but has since become ineligible as a result of the management requirement or ecological objective, the land remains eligible if it continues to be farmed.

Hill farming

At a recent hill farming committee meeting, a strong call was made that the new Government must address the severe income crisis affecting hill farmers. The committee has set out key issues, including increased ANC payments, the removal of the €5,000 limit on GLAS and a knowledge transfer programme for hill sheep.

Young farmers

Entries and nominations are invited for the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards, organised by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA. Enter the competition to represent your county and your enterprise and to receive an independent review and advice on your farm. See www.ifa.ie.

BVD eradication

IFA animal health chair Bert Stewart has said that the BVD programme must move towards the final phase of eradication by reviewing the tissue tag-testing requirement for the majority of farmers. He said that farmers have made huge investment and it is now incumbent on the AHI to map the path to eradication.