The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have welcomed key elements included in the Programme for Government but stressed the lack of detail relating to many supports especially for sucklers and sheep is a feature that must be addressed.
Speaking on this National President Vincent Roddy stated that “farmers needed specifics around these supports detailing what the monetary increase will be and when.” He also stressed that “the implementation will ultimately decide the success of this programme.”
There are, he continued many positives especially around proposals to bring the control of dogs under one Government Department, the feasibility study on a scouring plant to help develop a woollen industry in Ireland and opposition to the Mercosur deal. All of these are, he stated, “in line with INHFA suggestions and we will continue to push to ensure these issues are delivered on.”
The INHFA President also noted a number of references to designated lands with proposals around payments and on the Nature Restoration Law there is wording around this being voluntary and that lands subject to the law remaining eligible for CAP payments. All of this Roddy maintained “is positive but we need to see more detail before any final assessment on these issues.”
With regard to other issues the INHFA President expressed major disappointment with the continuation of the carbon tax. This he stated “is a tax on farming and rural Ireland and has contributed to an increase in the cost of living.”
“For a country and industry (farming) that is so export dependent, the high fuel costs in Ireland relative to other countries could in time damage these exports” added Roddy.
In concluding the INHFA leader detailed how “we are currently assessing the full programme and will engage with the various Government Departments and Ministers around the detail and where required push for improvements and changes.”