The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association have welcomed increased support for suckler and sheep farmers and a commitment to finally address the issue of the Forgotten Farmer Group announced in Budget 2025. Speaking on this National President Vincent Roddy stated that “while these increased supports are positive we also need to recognise that there is still a lot more that needs to be done.”
The decision to continue with the National Sheep Welfare Scheme and increase funding by €5/ewe is he maintained “definitely a positive that now provides a support package of €25/ewe, when we add in the Sheep Improvement Scheme. In our Budget Proposals we sought an overall support package for the sheep sector of €30/ewe and while this hasn’t got to that, we can realistically expect to get there by 2026” he added.
For suckler farmers and especially those involved in extensive farming systems that doesn’t suit the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) the decision Roddy stated “to increase payment rates on the Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS) by €25/calf to the new rate of €75/calf will be well received provided the measures are attainable and cost effective.”
For many INHFA members as outlined, access to SCEP has always been problematic which is why there is such a pressure on ensuring the BWS can deliver. This increase Roddy stressed “is a step in the right direction but we still need a number of big steps to get to the support levels extensive suckler farmers need.”
It is, he continued, “positive to finally see a budget allocation for the Forgotten Farmer Group. For too long they have been ignored and while the €5m announced won’t even come close to dealing with all the cases, it is our understanding that further monies will be available in 2026 to finalise all outstanding applicants with a lump sum payment of €5,000.” The INHFA have he stressed “always championed this cause and we will maintain the pressure until this issue is resolved and the farmers paid.”
On ACRES we see there is a further budget allocation of €60m and while this is welcome the major issue Roddy stated “has been the roll out of payments, the habitat scores and associated actions which is why we are still looking for round-table discussions with all stakeholders to ensure the scheme delivers for farmers.”
The INHFA leader concluded by stating how “there is disappointment that the Government didn’t take on board our proposal to provide tax exemptions to farmers on their ACRES payments. This is something we will continue to push for and we hope that other organisations will back.”