Macra president Josephine O’Neill has said that swift and efficient delivery of the Government’s usage-based fuel subsidy support scheme will be critical to support young farmers.

Over the weekend, Macra engaged directly with the Minister for Agriculture on the development of the crisis-response scheme during which the organisation highlighted the need for targeted support and concerns surrounding criteria of the proposals which may affect young farmer accessibility.

As a result, Macra has welcomed the €100 million emergency package announced by the Government as an important step to support young farmers in rural Ireland.

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Macra president Josephine O’Neill said: “I welcome today’s announcement of the fuel support scheme, which will provide critical support for our young farmers but remind the Government that time is of the essence in the development and delivery of this.”

“Our members have been struggling to make ends meet as a result of the ongoing crisis. Today’s announcement of a cut to excise duty on agri-diesel, petrol and white diesel will hopefully go a long way to relieving some of the pressures currently being faced.”

O’Neill also welcomed the deferral of the planned carbon tax increase which was scheduled for 1 May; however, she called on the Department to place a pause on carbon tax on fuel and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) tax on fertiliser.