Fianna Fáil has a plan to benefit Louth farmers – Breathnach

Fianna Fáil has a constructive and practical plan to support farmers that will benefit farm families and the rural economy in Louth according to local Fianna Fáil candidate, Councillor Declan Breathnach.

“Fianna Fáil recognises the vital role that agriculture and the agri-food industry can and will play a vital role in the country’s economic recovery, particularly in rural areas like north and mid Louth.”

“Payment levels for all of the main agricultural schemes have been maintained by Fianna Fáil and in the last five years Louth farmers have received a total of €110.4million in Single Farm Payments over €12.6 in Farm Waste Management and over €8 in Disadvantage Areas Scheme.”

“Sheep farmers in the Cooley Peninsula also benefitted from the three year €54 million Grassland Sheep Scheme funded by unused CAP funds that was launched in April 2010. The Scheme applied to both hill and lowland sheep farmers. In addition, in November 2010 a new €8 million sheep fencing and mobile handling scheme opened for applications.”

“In Budget 2011 Fianna Fáil brought in several measures to support farmers.”

“We will extend the 25% general farming stock relief for a further two years. The Young Trained Farmers Scheme where relief is set at 100% will also be extended for two years. The reduction in tax free thresholds for Capital Acquisitions tax will affect those families passing on the farm to a son or daughter. Fianna Fáil will reduce the free threshold by approximately 20.”

“Our Food Harvest 2020 document that was published last July outlines a vision for Irish Agri-Food and Fisheries. Fianna Fáil is the only party which has produced a detailed blueprint for the industry for the next ten years.”

“Food Harvest 2020 envisions increasing the value of primary output in agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector by €1.5 billion representing a 33% increase. We also plan to increase the value added in the agri-food, fisheries and wood products sector by €3 billion representing a 40% increase compared to 2008. In addition we plan to achieve an export target of €12 billion which would be an increase of 42%.”

“One of the most important factors, along with a reliable income for farmers is to assist with bringing down costs. On the 8th of February Ireland changed its voting position in the EU Commission to authorise the use of animal feed containing some GM maize and cotton which will bring down the cost of feed for famers.”

“Louth farmers need a strong voice representing them and Fianna Fáil’s view is that direct payments form a vitally important role in supporting and stabilising farmers’ incomes. CAP Post 2013 must be acceptable to Irish farmers and local farmers need a strong voice to represent them. Farmers and farm families are the backbone of rural communities and they need to be supported. Fianna Fáil have the plan to do so,” concluded Councillor Breathnach.