The first ever meeting of the farm contractors working group took place on Monday 20 April, which was convened by the Department of Agriculture, the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has said.

FCI has said that the inaugural meeting marks an important step for the contracting sector and hopes that it will “deliver meaningful benefits to the sector by creating a dedicated forum for engagement, collaboration and policy development”.

The new working group, which was established under the leadership of Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, recognises farm contractors as skilled professionals working within the agri-food and forestry sectors.

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During the meeting, the group’s terms of reference were heard, as well as a comprehensive overview of the farm contracting sector with a range of proposals put forward for consideration in the future.

Key areas

A number of key areas were identified for future consideration including:

  • The establishment of a farm contractors' registry.
  • Targeted financial and structural supports.
  • Taxation measures.
  • Inclusion of contractors in Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS).
  • Employment permit considerations.
  • Succession planning.
  • Skills development and training.
  • Enhanced safety training for contractors.

    • “The formation of this working group opens the door to ongoing dialogue on supports and opportunities for the sector, ensuring that farm contractors are fully recognised and supported in their vital role within Ireland’s agricultural and forestry landscape,” managing director of FCI Ann Gleeson Hanrahan said.