Spring clean

The IFA is encouraging members to actively participate in a new rural spring clean initiative in April. Remove litter on roadside verges and register your clean-up activity at www.ifacountryside.ie to be in with a chance to win one of five holiday vouchers worth a total of €6,000.

Food labelling

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New rules on country-of-origin labelling of meats, which came into force on 1 April, are welcome but do not go far enough. The IFA is disappointed that the new regulations do not cover processed meats and will be insisting that they are extended to ensure that all meat products are labelled correctly. Keep updated at www.ifa.ie.

GLAS extension

IFA Rural Development Committee chair Flor McCarthy has welcomed the extension of the closing date of GLAS to 22 May. However, he said it was vital that the Minister indicates that the scheme will open again in the autumn for those farmers who are not in a position to maximise their payments, if they were to apply now.

Suckler scheme

IFA National Livestock Committee chair Henry Burns said that the terms and conditions for the new €100/€80 per head Beef Cow Genomic Scheme must be practical and realistic for farmers. He said it is essential that both costs and bureaucracy under the scheme are kept to a minimum for it to deliver maximum results for farmers and the beef sector.

Save on energy

IFA has negotiated with Bord Gáis Energy (BGE) to bring members the best value electricity deal in the Irish market. Open to new and existing BGE customers, the deal includes 10% off Ireland’s lowest standard unit rate and €100 cash back when you need it. You could save up to €380! Call 1890-924-852 for more information.