IFJ: What are the key policy and funding issues for rural Ireland that you are pushing for in Programme for Government negotiations?
"Agriculture is top of the list for me. We have to make sure that funding is maintained for the new CAP. There needs to be a €200 payment for suckler cows, we've got to make sure there is no cull of the herd, it's the lifeblood of rural Ireland up my way.
"We need rural transport and rural regeneration schemes, particularly where Bord na Mona has laid off people. An economic strategic zone, stretching from tax incentives also. From Knock over to Sligo should have tax incentives
"Roads need to be brought up to standard. The motorways from Cork to Mallow, and over in Cavan/Monaghan are priorities – it's not just about my own area.
Young farmers
"I have drawn up a comprehensive package of proposals for young farmers and 'forgotten farmers'.
"We need to get €20,000 to the person on the average 32ha farm or we're at nothing. This would be comprised of 250/ha basic payment on the first 32ha, €200/head on the first 14 cows, and a sheep payment of €23/head on the first 150 ewes. Add in an ANC payment of €3,100, an environmental scheme delivering €8,000 and now you have a package of incentives that will encourage young men and women to stay in farming.
"We need Revenue to come into line with the Department of Agriculture on the age limit for young farmers, while stamp duty should be reduced to 2% on the first 40ha to help the smaller young farmers."
Forestry
"Forestry on farms should be part of the farm, so I'm proposing that for every acre of farmland up to 100 acres, there should be a €1,650 establishment grant and €200/year for every hectare of native Irish trees planted along ditches or shelter belts in field corners. And there can't be any cut in the Basic Payment or ANC payment if a tree overhangs the grass in the field.
"We need a yellow card system that applies once for every two years."
Carbon sequestration
"I want a full investigation of carbon sequestration, with the 6% of land that is estimated to be in hedgerows added to mitigation. I want incentives for solar panels.
"I want proper promotion of an organic scheme. Lambs born on the mountain should get organic status.
"There needs to be a full evaluation of our dairy offspring. If there are calves being produced that aren't sustainable, we have to look at the cows that are producing them.
IFJ: There was significant disagreement among the political parties in relation to some issues in the election campaign Where do you stand on them?
CAP convergance: I'm fully in favour.Front loading of payments: My proposals for young farmers in particular have front loading on the first 32ha. Live exports: Absolutely in favour. We need a full complement of boats licensed. Nitrates derogation: No, I'm against it, every farmer should be on the same level. There is one exception, there has to be a measure on place for pig and poultry farmers, they do need it, but not for dairy or beef. Read more
Independents not enthused by nitrates derogation
One in five TDs in last Dáil owned farmland or agri shares
IFJ: What are the key policy and funding issues for rural Ireland that you are pushing for in Programme for Government negotiations?
"Agriculture is top of the list for me. We have to make sure that funding is maintained for the new CAP. There needs to be a €200 payment for suckler cows, we've got to make sure there is no cull of the herd, it's the lifeblood of rural Ireland up my way.
"We need rural transport and rural regeneration schemes, particularly where Bord na Mona has laid off people. An economic strategic zone, stretching from tax incentives also. From Knock over to Sligo should have tax incentives
"Roads need to be brought up to standard. The motorways from Cork to Mallow, and over in Cavan/Monaghan are priorities – it's not just about my own area.
Young farmers
"I have drawn up a comprehensive package of proposals for young farmers and 'forgotten farmers'.
"We need to get €20,000 to the person on the average 32ha farm or we're at nothing. This would be comprised of 250/ha basic payment on the first 32ha, €200/head on the first 14 cows, and a sheep payment of €23/head on the first 150 ewes. Add in an ANC payment of €3,100, an environmental scheme delivering €8,000 and now you have a package of incentives that will encourage young men and women to stay in farming.
"We need Revenue to come into line with the Department of Agriculture on the age limit for young farmers, while stamp duty should be reduced to 2% on the first 40ha to help the smaller young farmers."
Forestry
"Forestry on farms should be part of the farm, so I'm proposing that for every acre of farmland up to 100 acres, there should be a €1,650 establishment grant and €200/year for every hectare of native Irish trees planted along ditches or shelter belts in field corners. And there can't be any cut in the Basic Payment or ANC payment if a tree overhangs the grass in the field.
"We need a yellow card system that applies once for every two years."
Carbon sequestration
"I want a full investigation of carbon sequestration, with the 6% of land that is estimated to be in hedgerows added to mitigation. I want incentives for solar panels.
"I want proper promotion of an organic scheme. Lambs born on the mountain should get organic status.
"There needs to be a full evaluation of our dairy offspring. If there are calves being produced that aren't sustainable, we have to look at the cows that are producing them.
IFJ: There was significant disagreement among the political parties in relation to some issues in the election campaign Where do you stand on them?
CAP convergance: I'm fully in favour.Front loading of payments: My proposals for young farmers in particular have front loading on the first 32ha. Live exports: Absolutely in favour. We need a full complement of boats licensed. Nitrates derogation: No, I'm against it, every farmer should be on the same level. There is one exception, there has to be a measure on place for pig and poultry farmers, they do need it, but not for dairy or beef. Read more
Independents not enthused by nitrates derogation
One in five TDs in last Dáil owned farmland or agri shares
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