Deadline for TAMS Solar Grant Fast Approaching – IFA
IFA is reminding farmers that Fri, June 16th is the closing date for those intending to apply for a Department of Agriculture TAMS solar grant. Higher farm input costs and the environmental benefits of renewables have made solar a feasible option for all farm sectors. Grants aid is now available at 60% on solar PV […]
IFA Issue Road Safety Appeal for Silage Season
With the silage cutting season underway, the IFA is appealing to drivers of farming machinery and other road users to share the road safely. IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair Alice Doyle said it’s going to be a busy time on farms as farm contractors bring in silage. “We are renewing our annual appeal […]
Interim Ash Die-Back Scheme Does Not Acknowledge the Financial Cost to Farmers
IFA Farm Forestry Chair Jason Fleming said the lack of recognition in the interim ash dieback scheme for the significant financial loss incurred by farmers is a serious blow to those whose ash woodlands have been devastated by this disease. “The increased clearance and grant rates announced under the interim scheme are positive developments and […]
Decision to Include All ACRES Applicants the Correct Call – IFA
IFA President Tim Cullinan said the inclusion of all applicants for ACRES was the best outcome for those wishing to participate in an agri-environment scheme. “The Dept has made the right decision here. It would have sent a very negative signal if farmers had expressed an interest in the scheme and then found themselves locked […]
Shortages of Fruit and Vegetables the Result of a Broken Food Chain
Martin Flynn, Vice Charman of the IFA Field Vegetable and Protected Crops Committee, said that current shortages of many horticulture food crops are a direct result of soaring input costs and of the imbalance of power in the food supply chain. “This week marks one year on from the invasion of Ukraine. There is still huge […]
Review Needed of Terms of Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS)
The terms attached to the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) need to be reviewed, according to IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh. Ms McDonagh said “as part of Budget 2023, TBESS was introduced to support businesses in dealing with increases in their energy costs between last September and next month, in comparison to […]
Delays in Approval for Plantings Put Forestry Targets in Jeopardy
IFA Farm Forestry Chair Jason Fleming has said the delay in getting State Aid approval for the new Forestry Programme 2023 to 2027 means this year’s targets are unlikely to be met. “We’re off to a bad start. The delay is going to have a huge impact on the afforestation programme in 2023, and makes […]
Dept Confirm to IFA that Accelerated Capital Allowances on Slurry Storage will be available for Three Years
It has been confirmed to IFA that accelerated capital allowances on slurry storage will be available for three years, according to IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh. The then Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, announced on Budget Day a scheme of accelerated capital allowances for the construction of slurry storage. In the Budget 2023, Tax […]
Minister Must Ensure All ACRES Applicants are Included in the Scheme for 2023
With confirmation that in excess of 46,000 applications have been received for the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), IFA’s Rural Development Committee Chair Michael Biggins said the Minister must find funding to include all applicants. “At a time when we have so much emphasis on climate and biodiversity, it would be a huge own […]
Success of Recreation Strategy Relies on Recognising Landowners
Speaking after the launch of ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors – National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027’, IFA Hill Farming Chairman Caillin Conneely said it’s a positive first step in addressing concerns of landowners surrounding access to land for recreational use. “Recreational activities can bring huge economic benefits for rural communities. However, the role of the landowner should […]