Farm organisations are pushing back against a €26m budget cut, which could impact farm schemes in 2027.

In May, it was announced that due to an overspend in the Department of Education, every other department would be levied in 2027. A €27m bill was presented to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

IFA president Francie Gorman said: “Why should the Department of Agriculture have to pay a price for the lack of financial discipline within the Department of Education? That should come from general exchequer funds.”

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There’s enough money going elsewhere if savings have to be made

“Farmers can’t be punished because another department didn’t keep control of its own budget. That looks like rewarding the bold child,” said ICMSA president Denis Drennan.

“Only half the department’s budget goes to farm schemes. There’s enough money going elsewhere if savings have to be made.”

The INHFA stressed the need for payments to sheep, suckler and cattle farmers to be maintained.

“This is a difficult year for drystock farmers,” said Micheál McDonnell.

Macra president Josephine O’Neill stressed that TAMS payments to young farmers cannot be impacted. “It’s the most significant targeted support for young farmers, and is co-financed by the national exchequer.”