Agri-environment scheme: sector calls on Government to honour €1.5 billion pledge
The agriculture sector is calling on the Government to put €1.5 billion out of its carbon-tax take into funding for an agri-environment scheme.
Included in a pre-budget submission last week, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) is calling for tax support, State aid and immediate action from the Government.
Tim Cullinan, the IFA’s President, says: “We are still waiting for this commitment to be honoured.
“IFA has made it clear that farmers are eager to be part of the climate solution.
“Accelerated capital allowances and VAT exemptions on the purchase of emissions-efficient investment will help farmers to play their role in contributing to the sector’s climate change targets.”
Cullinan also revealed that imminent cuts in Common Agricultural Policy payments, stricter regulations and Brexit trade disputes left Irish farmers with an unpredictable future.
The IFA would like €300 million in Government support to help provide assistance to individuals trying to farm in areas marked as disadvantaged.
Additionally, the association is looking for funds to support the following programmes:
- Beef data and genomics
- Green low-carbon agri-environmental scheme
- Organic farming
- Sheep welfare
- Targeted agricultural modernisation
For advice on related matters, please contact our expert team today.