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15/11/2011
Irish Farmers Call For 'Expansion Friendly Budget'
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has called on farmers to prioritise their resources for "expansion" ahead of the 2012 budget.
Speaking from the Teagasc National Dairy Conference in Cork, IFA National Dairy Committee Chairman Kevin Kiersey said urged financial institutions to co-operate with farmers and Government to provide expansion friendly fiscal policies between now and 2015.
Mr Kiersey said that Irish dairy farmers were enthusiastic about engaging in dairy expansion and that there were "real global market opportunities", which can be capitalised on profitably from growth in the sector.
"The fact is that by far the greatest investment which will be required to deliver expansion will be on farms. Delivering 50% more milk by 2020 could cost farmers up to €1 billion,” the Dairy Chairman said.
He added: “It is therefore crucial that the processing industry would respect the need for farmers to prioritise their resources for on-farm investment, and would plan their financial requirements accordingly.”
Mr Kiersey said it was also vital that financial institutions worked closely with farmers in supporting their plans, and would make available "keenly-priced" finance to help expanding farmers stay competitive.
“Lastly, as they finalise the 2012 Budget, Government must provide fiscal conditions for farmers which will allow them deliver on the Food Harvest 2020 50% expansion target and the uplift in export earnings for the greater good of the Irish economy.”
The Chairman added that farmers would only be able to deliver if they can continue to have access to fully funded schemes, if the tax reliefs currently available are retained, and if imaginative and expansion-friendly fiscal policies are pursued in the longer term.
(DW)
Speaking from the Teagasc National Dairy Conference in Cork, IFA National Dairy Committee Chairman Kevin Kiersey said urged financial institutions to co-operate with farmers and Government to provide expansion friendly fiscal policies between now and 2015.
Mr Kiersey said that Irish dairy farmers were enthusiastic about engaging in dairy expansion and that there were "real global market opportunities", which can be capitalised on profitably from growth in the sector.
"The fact is that by far the greatest investment which will be required to deliver expansion will be on farms. Delivering 50% more milk by 2020 could cost farmers up to €1 billion,” the Dairy Chairman said.
He added: “It is therefore crucial that the processing industry would respect the need for farmers to prioritise their resources for on-farm investment, and would plan their financial requirements accordingly.”
Mr Kiersey said it was also vital that financial institutions worked closely with farmers in supporting their plans, and would make available "keenly-priced" finance to help expanding farmers stay competitive.
“Lastly, as they finalise the 2012 Budget, Government must provide fiscal conditions for farmers which will allow them deliver on the Food Harvest 2020 50% expansion target and the uplift in export earnings for the greater good of the Irish economy.”
The Chairman added that farmers would only be able to deliver if they can continue to have access to fully funded schemes, if the tax reliefs currently available are retained, and if imaginative and expansion-friendly fiscal policies are pursued in the longer term.
(DW)
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28 March 2014
Concerns Over Job Losses At Creamery
There is growing concern that up to 50 jobs could be lost at Fivemiletown Creamery in Co Tyrone. It is understood the owners are thinking of putting the business up for sale, but if a potential buyer does not choose to keep the plant open, then the jobs could be lost.
Concerns Over Job Losses At Creamery
There is growing concern that up to 50 jobs could be lost at Fivemiletown Creamery in Co Tyrone. It is understood the owners are thinking of putting the business up for sale, but if a potential buyer does not choose to keep the plant open, then the jobs could be lost.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
