The FTMTA’s economic report on the farm machinery industry, see Machinery, reveals the sector is worth €4.76bn and provides 25,000 jobs.

The challenges faced by machinery companies echo those of farmers, including the rising cost of employment and inputs. CSO figures show that the national average weekly wage has risen by 28% in the last five years, rising from €800 to €1,026.

The Government’s new pension auto-enrolment will add further costs to employers, as Rachel Donovan reports on page 12.

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Some of Ireland’s biggest machinery companies began at the bench of a farmyard and grew into major exporters and flag-bearers for Ireland abroad. They are essential cogs in the rural economy and should be offered fast access to supports on a par with those offered to multinationals and urban-based businesses.