Brexit

Speaking at a meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly last week, IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy said the Government must come forward with specific measures to provide immediate support to sectors particularly exposed following the Brexit decision. A case must be made for CAP market support measures and temporary easing of restrictive State Aid.

Liquid milk rally

The IFA is hosting a national liquid milk rally on Tuesday 25 October in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise. The meeting will highlight research on the break-even price for liquid milk, and hear about the economic reality that led one farmer to transition to spring milk. Producers, dairies, co-ops, retailers and other stakeholders are invited.

Rural rejuvenation

IFA environment chair Thomas Cooney has said that important measures to re-energise rural Ireland announced in Budget 2017, including increased garda numbers and funding for broadband must be supported by real action on the ground. It is time for a coordinated response from the Government and fast-tracking of the proposed action plan for rural Ireland.

Compound feed price

Based on the differential between compound and home milled feed prices exposed in figures compiled by Teagasc, it is clear that compound feed millers must reduce prices immediately, IFA pigs chair Pat O’Flaherty has insisted. The IFA has requested meetings with all the millers as decreases in feed prices are long overdue.

EU sheep forum

IFA sheep chair John Lynskey has welcomed the recommendations made by the EU Sheepmeat Forum for strong CAP support, including a proposal for a new environmental payment and a new EU sheepmeat communications and promotion programme. The recommendations provide a positive framework for a sustainable sheep sector.