‘I’m disappointed they didn’t help us farmers tackle climate issues’

FARMERS had hoped Budget 2023 would deliver more for them, rather than merely extending existing plans, they said yesterday. Yesterday’s Budget extended several relief programmes for farmers, as well as ‘accelerated capital allowances’ for the construction of modern slurry facilities. However, Kerry dairy farmer Noel Murphy, 58, said it ‘extended what was there already. There is nothing new’. He added: ‘I don’t see much in it for farmers. I don’t see anything specific on renewables. I’m disappointed they didn’t do something on solar panels for farmers, which could make a big contribution to the energy thing.’ Irish Farmers’ Association president Tim Cullinan said Budget measures ‘fall a long way short’ of what is needed to help farmers reduce emissions.

Mr Murphy said the Government should have ‘put their money where their mouth is on the whole area of climate change and reducing our carbon footprint.

‘Farmers would have expected to see a bit more help on that. We’re under serious pressure on the whole environment side of things. There is only so much money farmers have... when they have their other expenses and their living expenses paid for. What is left will be eaten up by mitigating things from the environment side of things.

‘We’re seen more as a problem than a solution. We think we should be part of the solution,’ he said.

Mr Murphy said he believes next year will be more difficult for farmers because a lot of inputs were bought before the huge rise in costs. However, next year they will have to buy them at inflated prices.

‘This year we’re facing high inflation, high input costs into next year. Interest rates are creeping up as well.

‘We don’t know if we’ll be getting the same prices this time next year as we are getting at the moment. Will we be on the same wage?

‘Very disappointed in the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue that he hasn’t been able to fight his corner and get something better,’ he said.

Mr Murphy was also surprised at the 10% concrete levy. ‘There’d be a lot of fellas who may have to increase their slurry storage over new regulations in the next year or so. That is going to cost them 10% extra now, which is a bit of a shock really,’ he said.