The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Cashflow support scheme for farmers must continue, Deputy Brassil appeals
KERRY Fianna Fáil TD, John Brassil has said that the Government must come up with alternative, additional sources of funding, and seek approval from the EU Commission, to continue the Cashflow Support Loan scheme for farmers.
Deputy Brassil was commenting following receipt of a PQ from the Minister for Agriculture which confirmed that the scheme has been successful but that the funds are almost expended.
“I’m of the belief that the Government need to find additional funding to continue, and expand, this scheme.
“In addition, approval from the EU Commission may be needed to allow such funds to be used to support the industry.
Deputy Brassil said the scheme was a lifeline to farmers in the county.
“We need to remember that the scheme has helped many farmers up and down Kerry to bridge their cash-flow issues during times of great difficulty.
Reduced prices, the lack of affordable credit and intense competition from counterparts in Europe are having a major impact on Irish farmers at present.
“Farmers of all hues have had a tough run of it lately with reduced prices for their produce, an inability to access cheap credit and competition from eastern European farmers,” Deputy Brassil added.
“For many, the availability of cheap credit was the difference between keeping and losing their farms.
“The Government were allowed to provide this funding as it was able to make the case that the cashflow problems were exceptional. I think the same issues are still at play, and that the scheme needs to continue to support farmers.
“The State made available €14 million, supported by €11 million from the EU’s ‘Exceptional Adjustment Aid for Dairy and other Livestock Farmers’ fund, which enabled the SCBI to leverage over €150 million to provide reduced interest bridging loans to affected farmers. It makes no sense not to allow the scheme to grow and support more farmers who could make use of it,” concluded Brassil.