17th October 2013, Thursday
By TheCork.ie Political Reporter
news@TheCork.ie
Fianna Fáil Senator Denis O’Donovan, says Cork farmers will be adversely hit by the €70 million cut in funding for Irish agriculture next year.
Senator O’Donovan said the €32 million cut in the CAP budget for Ireland along with the announcement of a €37 million cut in the Suckler Cow and REPS schemes in the budget means €70 million will be taken from farmers in 2014.
“This week’s Budget announcement confirms there will be major cuts in direct payments for Cork farmers next year,” said Senator O’Donovan.
“Between cuts negotiated by the Taoiseach to the Single Farm Payment and cuts in the budget to funding for REPs, next year will see €70 million taken from farmers.
“The only small bit of good news for farmers here in the budget is the new genomics scheme for suckler cows, which will benefit Cork farmers with suckler herds.
“I am now calling on Minister Simon Coveney to ensure that every assistance is given to all farmers so they can avail of this new scheme. With over 1 million suckler cows in the country, it is absolutely vital that as many Cork farmers as possible that have suckler cows can participate in this scheme.
“This new scheme will be the equivalent to an average payment of €287 per farmer per annum.
“Having spoken to a number of farmers in recent days, many have not had any dealings with genomics. They will need significant assistance to be able to avail of the scheme and the right supports must be put in place immediately.”