Beef fund

This week’s national council discussed the €100m beef fund announced by the European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan last month, following an intensive campaign by the IFA for an aid package to support beef farmers who had lost money since last September. The IFA is insisting on payment to farmers without delay. IFA president Joe Healy said the money is not for factories, agents or dealers.

ANC appeals

IFA rural development chair Joe Brady has urged the ANC appeals body to ensure that all areas get a fair hearing. At an IFA meeting in Co Wexford where 227 townlands lost out, he said all efforts must be made to get a reversal for counties that were affected. Farmers cannot afford to lose any direct payment and the loss of an ANC payment is a major blow.

Nitrates derogation

The IFA has made its submission to the nitrates derogation review following a round of meetings with farmers. The submission emphasises that the derogation is essential for the 7,000 farmers who contribute over €900m to the economy each year.

It also states there cannot be additional measures on farmers and it sets out a sustainability development package to support on-farm investment.