Farm Families Need Support in October’s Budget – IFA

IFA President Francie Gorman said that Budget 25 is an opportunity for the Government to support farm families. “The Budget is less than seven weeks away and our campaign continues across the country. We will be setting out our priorities in Virginia today to politicians in attendance. The key message is that farmers are faced with multiple threats to their viability,” he said. 

Mr. Gorman said that excessive costs and tighter margins will require targeted support in the October Budget.  

“The National Farm Survey released by Teagasc last month provides all the evidence that’s needed for the Government. No sector is immune from the vice grip of escalating costs; greater regulations; and price volatility; all of which are having an impact on farm income.” 

“Farmers, across all sectors, need greater support to provide a shelter for families and farm operations,” he said. 

The Farm Survey report 2023 showed the huge hit taken by farming incomes with family farm incomes falling to the lowest levels seen in over a decade. In 2023 the average family farm income fell to less than €20,000. “While weather conditions did contribute somewhat to this reduction in income, the reality is that the increased costs imposed on farmers are due mainly to so-called sustainability measures. These are placing a huge strain on farm families trying to make ends meet.”    

Francie Gorman also said the submission deals with incentivising new blood into the farming sector, measures to promote climate action and the protection of the genuine farmer.  

He acknowledged the step forward in the campaign to permanently remove farmland from the Residential Zoned Land Tax and said that this work would continue.  

“IFA will accelerate our nationwide campaign between now and Oct 1st, engaging directly with politicians about the key measures needed for farmers,” he added.