Farmers’ Rights

The 16 men who left the square in Bantry in October 1966 to march 217 miles to Dublin seeking the right to negotiate with the Government were commemorated at an event in the west Cork town last week. The event paid tribute to the 30,000 farmers who joined the march which marked the start of a campaign that ultimately earned farmers a right to negotiate.

Beef prices

The Irish beef sector, including factories, Minister Creed and Bord Bia, must demand real price increases from British retailers to reflect the devaluation of sterling following the Brexit vote, IFA president Joe Healy has insisted. IFA representatives are meeting with factories across the country to highlight the rising anger among farmers over loss-making cattle prices.

Rural action

An IFA delegation addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Rural Affairs last week to call for urgent action and a whole-Government response to grow and sustain a viable rural economy. IFA president Joe Healy urged the Government to fast-track the publication of its proposed action plan for rural Ireland and he set out a number of policy priorities to sustain viable rural communities.

Littering

IFA environment chair Thomas Cooney has called on Environment Minister Denis Naughten to change the existing legislation, which currently holds farmers legally responsible for the rubbish recklessly dumped on their lands. IFA has also called for the introduction of stronger penalties to be imposed on anyone who dumps litter out of cars, along roadside verges or on farmland.