Farm security

Don’t forget about home and farm security this summer, IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy has advised. He said it is important to be vigilant during the good weather when homes are more likely to be unoccupied or accessible. Never assume that because you are at home or nearby, your farm or property is safe. Read tips for summer security at www.ifa.ie/rural-security.

Forestry failure

The Government must address the failed afforestation policy by ensuring that all productive land without environmental constraints is eligible under the programme, farm forestry chair, Pat Collins said. The implications of the failed policy are far-reaching and unless something is done immediately Ireland’s renewable energy and climate change targets are in jeopardy.

Budget 2019

IFA president Joe Healy said Budget 2019 must provide additional support to farming, particularly the low-income sectors. He said the Government needs to act in the next budget to address the pressure farmers are under and he pointed out that while there has been some restoration of cuts to farm schemes, this must continue in the next budget.