Macra na Feirme highlights priorities for on Budget 2018
DURING a briefing with TD’s and Senators earlier this week, including Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister Michael Creed, and opposition spokespeople on Finance and Agriculture, Macra na Feirme National President James Healy highlighted the key areas of budgetary concern.
Speaking after the briefings, National President James Healy said, “Income volatility within the agricultural sector is a challenge for all farmers especially young farmers. Young farmers and new entrants do not have the financial reserves built up that are required to manage through extended periods of income volatility. Macra na Feirme is supporting the ICOS Income Stabilisation measures which would offer an effective, tax efficient solution for young farmers which would offer a level of income security.”
“Access to finance is a par- ticular challenge facing young farmers. The recently published Indecon report Ex-Ante Assessment of the use of Financial Instruments within the Agriculture Sector which identified a capital market failing resulting in a funding gap for capital investment of €105m rising to €350m in 2025. If the sector expands in line with national targets, this report highlights the shortage of capital available by farmers. Macra na Feirme has proposed to Government, that a specific low interest investment fund for young farmers should be offered through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. Such an investment fund will enable young farmers to establish themselves in a sustainable fashion. The ability for young farmers to grow their business enterprises during challenging times is crucial especially in the face of uncertainties such as Brexit.”
Concluding his remarks, National President James Healy said, “Young people in rural communities need access to key services such as broadband. Rural Ireland has been promised high speed broadband for the past 10+ years. Social and economic opportunities in rural Ireland require the immediate and progressive roll out of broadband to all of rural Ireland not just the easily accessible parts!”