The leader of the Rural Independent Group of TDs has called for a multi-million aid package for farmers in the upcoming budget.
Deputy Mattie McGrath said that the supports should be brought forward “in response to the farming crisis”.
The Tipperary TD said that the recently published Teagasc National Farm Survey for 2023 “revealed a stark reality”.
Farmers
“Last year, farms saw a 19% drop in income, with nearly 40% reporting a family farm income of less than €5,000.
“This situation is particularly severe in the already vulnerable suckler sector, which experienced a 15% decrease in family farm income, leading to the lowest-ever recorded income levels for suckler farms,” he said.
Deputy McGrath said that the situation is “unsustainable” and “requires immediate attention” from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue and the government.
“The Teagasc National Farm Survey 2023 provides valuable data that underscores the financial pressure farmers are under.
“The survey, representative of a population of 84,929 farms in Ireland, focuses mainly on the economic sustainability of Irish agriculture.
“The report highlights a mix of challenges faced by Irish agriculture in 2024, including difficult weather conditions, delayed grazing season, and below-normal grass growth,” he said.
The Rural Independent leader said the government’s “inaction” around delayed farm scheme payments has caused unnecessary strain on livestock farmers, especially those in Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).
“Many livestock farmers heavily rely on these payments. The delay shows a complete disregard for livestock farmers and farmers in general who are struggling to keep bills paid,” he said.
Budget
Deputy McGrath said funding in Budget 2025 should provide targeted payments of €300/cow for suckler cows and cattle rearing.
He also called for finishing supports of €100/animal for both the rearing and finishing phases for beef farmers and for Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) payments to triple in value to €36/breeding ewe.
“These measures are critically needed to offset the escalating production costs and the overall inflationary pressures,” the TD said.
Deputy McGrath also pointed to the “dwindling number” of young people entering the farming sector.
“Currently, less than 7% of Irish farmers are under the age of 35, a figure that has halved in the last 20 years.
“There is no doubt that the income challenges are discouraging new entrants from farming,” he said.