Over the last 10 years, 4,235 people working in agriculture, forestry and fishing have moved to jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit since 2016.
The data was released to Aontú, which described the figures as a “shocking reminder of how these vital and valuable sectors are being pushed out of existence”.
However, Senator Sarah O’Reilly said the figure is an underestimation of the numbers leaving the sector.
“These figures, while both sad and sobering, don’t fully reflect the situation. People are leaving these sectors in droves; they’re heading for Canada and Australia.
“In recent years, many Irish farmers and fishermen have lost their livelihoods, impacting both income and long-standing traditions.
"Government policies, such as proposed herd culling, the Mercosur trade deal, carbon taxes, delayed ACRES payments and the ridiculous concept of bog rewetting, have increased anxiety and financial strain in rural communities."
Policy
The Aontú senator has called on the Government to implement policy change to make the career more sustainable.
“The agriculture sector faces excessive bureaucracy - the rigmarole is strangling the sector, insufficient financial support and a lack of recognition for the skill and dedication of farmers and fishermen,” added O’Reilly.
“There is an urgent need for more effective Government support and streamlined regulations to sustain both the Irish agriculture and fishing sectors, which are an intrinsic part of Irish life for generations.
“If these figures don’t act as a clarion call for real action by this Government, nothing will.”
Read more
Remote working opportunities in rural Ireland
Good news on incomes hides structural issues in Irish farming
Over the last 10 years, 4,235 people working in agriculture, forestry and fishing have moved to jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit since 2016.
The data was released to Aontú, which described the figures as a “shocking reminder of how these vital and valuable sectors are being pushed out of existence”.
However, Senator Sarah O’Reilly said the figure is an underestimation of the numbers leaving the sector.
“These figures, while both sad and sobering, don’t fully reflect the situation. People are leaving these sectors in droves; they’re heading for Canada and Australia.
“In recent years, many Irish farmers and fishermen have lost their livelihoods, impacting both income and long-standing traditions.
"Government policies, such as proposed herd culling, the Mercosur trade deal, carbon taxes, delayed ACRES payments and the ridiculous concept of bog rewetting, have increased anxiety and financial strain in rural communities."
Policy
The Aontú senator has called on the Government to implement policy change to make the career more sustainable.
“The agriculture sector faces excessive bureaucracy - the rigmarole is strangling the sector, insufficient financial support and a lack of recognition for the skill and dedication of farmers and fishermen,” added O’Reilly.
“There is an urgent need for more effective Government support and streamlined regulations to sustain both the Irish agriculture and fishing sectors, which are an intrinsic part of Irish life for generations.
“If these figures don’t act as a clarion call for real action by this Government, nothing will.”
Read more
Remote working opportunities in rural Ireland
Good news on incomes hides structural issues in Irish farming
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