Flood works

Speaking at the National Flood Forum last weekend, IFA president Joe Healy said that with increased recurrence of flooding, it is vital that the Government is proactive now; the protection of livelihoods and property are paramount. He said where flood works are under consideration, the public good must override environmental issues and land designations must not stop works that are urgently required from taking place.

Milk prices

Dairy chair Sean O’Leary has said that while international dairy prices are easing, Irish co-ops are still benefiting from contract returns signed in better times, as evidenced by the September rise in the Ornua PPI. Together with low winter volumes, this means co-ops could comfortably afford to hold current milk prices at least until next spring. O’Leary urged them to make this commitment to reassure farmers and help them plan for the year ahead.

Dig in on cattle price

The beef trade is driving on, with factories paying more to get cattle to meet strong Christmas demand, livestock chair Angus Woods has said. He urged farmers with suitable stock to dig in hard and demand full value. Based on the strong UK market return and the increase in EU prices, further price increases are well justified.

Nursery stock support

Joe Healy has called on Horticulture Minister Andrew Doyle to support nursery stock growers who experienced extensive damage during Storm Ophelia. Leading a delegation of nursery stock producers to meet with the Minister recently, he urged the immediate introduction of the Brexit low-cost loan scheme promised in Budget 2018, to ensure that the nursery stock sector gets an equal opportunity to access the fund.