NFS Results for Suckler and Beef Farmers Serious Wake-up Call for Government

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IFA National Livestock chair Declan Hanrahan said that the Minister for Agriculture and his colleagues in Government cannot avoid the harsh realities of the income situation for suckler and beef farmers which was revealed in the Teagasc National Farm Survey. This survey showed that income for suckler and beef farmers dropped to the lowest levels recorded.  

The Livestock chair said these low incomes and the flawed approach to CAP are leaving the whole beef sector in a vulnerable position and draining farmers of much needed supports. He highlighted the fact that if meaningful action is not taken the mass exodus from the sector will continue.  

The 15% drop in Family Farm Income is creating concern in an already low-income part of the sector and must be addressed by the Department of Agriculture before it’s too late.  

“Suckler farmers depend on direct supports for over 230% of FFI. While the figures show an increase in the levels of the supports to the sector, the reality of how these supports are structured is contributing to the fall in cow numbers,” he said. 

Mr. Hanrahan said the only way the current decline in the suckler and beef industry will be stopped is to bring the direct supports up to €300 per cow in schemes which are implemented in a practical way. Currently the €200 per head in supports for the first 22 cows is not enough as a significant chunk of the support is taken with costs, reducing their value and impeding farmer participation.  

Declan Hanrahan said beef farmers who play a part in finishing cattle and taking surplus calves from the dairy sector are being seriously affected by the flat earth policy of the current CAP scheme. These farmers experienced a 19% drop in income with almost 40% having a Family Farm Income of less than €5,000.  

The IFA have consistently called for targeted supports for farmers rearing and finishing cattle for €100 for the rearing phase and €100 for the finishing phase uphold the viability of these farms and offset the impact of the CAP cuts on the viability of these farms.  

“We have heard from the Minister for Agriculture and his Government colleagues how important suckler and beef farmers are to the national economy.  We have heard from all of our newly elected MEPs how much they value the job suckler and beef farmers do. It’s time to turn these words into meaningful actions.” 

The IFA says our MEP’s must engage in the process of creating a CAP scheme that is fit for purpose and adequately supports farmers producing food to the highest standards.  

Declan Hanrahan concluded saying the Minister for Agriculture must take immediate action and must come forward with funding to provide supports for farmers finishing and rearing cattle.  

 

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