INHFA calls for new approach on forestry IFA writes to Co-Ops to keep supporting April milk price as hardship on farms continues

THE Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have outlined the need to find solutions to the Governments outdated model of forestry at meetings held in Brussels and with Minister Andrew Doyle.

Forestry and Climate Change Spokesperson Gerry Loftus stated how “at these meetings we have raised the problems associated with the current approach of industrial plantations of predominantly fast growing non-native conifers for farmers, rural communities and the environment. In doing so we have also outlined solutions around sustainable afforestation which has the potential to contribute substantially to a future for family farms and communities, climate change, habitats and biodiversity, the environment and the rural economy.”

The model currently in place added Loftus “has opened doors to big business and speculators. They remain anonymous availing of grants and premiums but as they aren’t part of the local economy –local communities and farm families suffer. In raising these issues the INHFA has called for responsible land-based investment practices and a change of approach which will focus on the following:

· Transparency around forestry investment by making all relevant information available to the public except when subject to legitimate business confidentiality.

· Zero tolerance of corruption.

· Practices which inherently mitigate the risks for all.

· Practices which increase benefits for local people and communities including creating direct and indirect revenue generating opportunities for local communities.

· Practices which are environmentally sustainable and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.”

In 2008 continued Loftus “our economy crashed and at the time our Government said they never saw it coming, but the consequences of that crash continues to this day through higher taxes and reduced services. If our current forestry policy does not change we will face similar consequences both environmentally and economically as we fail to meet our climate change obligations.”

He concluded by stating how “we all have a responsibility to ensure this policy is changed and until such time as this happens we will continue our campaign to protect the taxpayer, the environment, rural families and communities by seeking to put in place responsible land-based investment practices.” IFA National Dairy Chairman Tom Phelan recently wrote to all co-ops Chairmen and CEOs on behalf of the Committee.

The letter, which the Committee requested be read at the next board meeting, expressed appreciation of the support provided thus far by most co-ops, but stressed that the crisis is not over yet, and farmers need continued support.

Wexford IFA Dairy Chairman, Michael Gahan said, “Farmers need the co-ops to stand behind them in this difficult period. The best way they can demonstrate this support is through the milk price they pay.

“Our Committee members voiced their strong views that co-ops must continue to back farmers despite challenging markets.

“Dairy farmers have just gone through their eighth month of winter this April, which started early for many last September. Soil and air temperatures have been slow to rise, and many farms are still struggling to keep cows out day and night over a month later than normal.

“Milk cheques have been depressed by price cuts, but also by lower volumes and constituents. Feed costs have increased massively as farmers have had to cope with the fodder crisis. The workload has not eased after the intensely busy calving period, and this is further com- pounded by labour shortages on many farms.

“Farmers are stressed, exhausted, worried about their ability to meet their financial commitments, and facing burnout. Some co-ops are so aware of this that they have included the contact details of the Samaritans in their newsletters.

“This is why it is vital that coops would find ways, this month again, to support their suppliers by minimising any further adjustment to the payout on April milk supplies.

“I urge the management and board of every co-op, when deciding the April milk price, to take due account of the exceptional circumstances and the unprecedented levels of stress being experienced by dairy farmers this spring,” Michael Gahan concluded.