Drought causing extreme pressure

THE financial pressure the ongoing drought is placing on Wicklow farmers has been addressed by the IFA.

President Joe Healy, this week called for urgent action to be taken to help those feeling the pressure.

‘ The current situation is unprecedented and is causing huge financial pressures on farms and huge stress for farmers,’ he said. ‘What we now need is real leadership from the Minister and our Government to assist farmers at this extraordinarily difficult time,’ he added. Mr Healy called on Minister Creed to move on delivering low cost loans as committed in last year’s Budget and said that he must convene urgent meetings with meat factories and retailers to stop exploiting the drought conditions, stabilise market prices and restore confidence.

The IFA also is seeking flexibility on GLAS and nitrates to allow farmers maximise the conservation of fodder between now and the end of the year and advance BPS payments of 70 per cent in mid- October, 85 per cent of GLAS payments in November and full ANC payments in early September. Mr Healy said that the Minister must show empathy with farmers at this most difficult time.