Cultivate Credit Union Loans available for working capital as fertiliser prices rise
With soaring input prices across the agricultural sector, particularly in relation to fertiliser, farmers will need access to increased levels of working capital this spring. Farmers across county Cork are facing into a period of price inflation and increased uncertainty.
Cultivate, which provides farm loans from the Credit Union is helping to address this working capital challenge. Cultivate is collaborating with independent local agri merchants nationwide to provide additional credit to farmers following this dramatic increase in fertiliser prices.
While everyone hopes that this is a short-term issue, additional supports are now needed. Credit Unions including Synergy Credit Union, Mitchelstown Credit Union and Mallow Credit Union are stepping up to support local farmers who are looking to access a credit facility by offering a working capital loan to manage their cashflow this spring.
Pat Morrissey from Synergy Credit Union, commented on the increased costs being experienced by farmers: “The rising cost of fertiliser is the main topic of conversation in farming for the past few months. We hope that while the increased cost of fertiliser will be short-lived, we know that many farmers are finding it tough to respond to these price hikes.
“The Cultivate loan from our Credit Union can be used as part of the solution for farmers who are struggling to finance the purchase of fertiliser this spring.”
Joe Healy, former president of the IFA and now chairperson of Cultivate, said: “This is good news for the agriculture sector. It’s an initiative that will be of benefit to both farmers and merchants.”
With a Cultivate Credit Union loan, farmers in County Cork are increasingly able to benefit from the local decision making and personal service offered by Synergy Credit Union, Mitchelstown Credit Union, and Mallow Credit Union. Cultivate offers local farmers the opportunity to talk with people who understand farming and to agree a financial package that is tailored to best suit the needs of the farmer and their farming enterprise.
Commenting further, Brian Whelan, from Mitchelstown Credit Union said: “We understand the vital importance of fertiliser each spring and the difficulties that the increased cost will have on farmers. Your local Credit Union is here to support our farming members in this time of turbulence. Cultivate loans are unsecured loans of up to €50,000. For any farmer who wants to find out more about how to access a Cultivate loan, they can go to www.Cultivate-CU.ie or Freephone 1800 839 999.”