Galway East TD Seán Canney has said that agriculture in the west of Ireland is at a ‘crossroads’ following an IFA meeting with farmers in Athenry mart on Monday.
Deputy Canney joined over 300 farmers to listen to the concerns of farmers across the region.
The Galway TD listened to concerns raised in relation to Carbon reduction targets, the consequence for farming in terms of investment, and the lack of support available to invest in these changes up front.
“The rising cost of fertiliser which has more than doubled coupled with the increase in fuel costs is eating away at the already very tight margins,” said Deputy Canney.
“The small family farm needs to be protected in the West and Government need to immediately deliver on the €1.5 billion of supports in addition to CAP funding as promised in the Programme for Government.”
The Independent TD said that agriculture “is at a crossroads in the West of Ireland and without simple support schemes and recognition for the existing standards of production in beef and milk is required in setting any targets.”
“It is no longer acceptable that agriculture is a target for Carbon Emission reductions without Government providing genuine measures to facilitate a Just Transition for farmers and their families.”
