Macra has expressed "serious concern" following a High Court ruling on potato and onion storage buildings and commercial rates.

The farm organisation warned that the recent decision could have "far-reaching consequences" for farmers and horticultural producers across Ireland.

Macra said the judgement in the case involving Castlecor Potato Company and Tailte Éireann "raises significant concerns about the potential for rates to be applied to other essential agricultural and horticultural storage buildings, placing further financial pressure on producers already facing high costs".

Macra said these facilities play a vital role in protecting farm produce, maintaining quality and ensuring a reliable supply of food.

Macra president Josephine O’Neill has said that farm buildings which are integral to agricultural production "should not be treated as commercial premises for rates purposes".

'These facilities are essential'

“Whether a farm building is used to house a bulk tank to cool milk, store potatoes or onions, or keep hay and straw, these facilities are essential to the day-to-day operation of a farm and have traditionally been exempt from rates under the Valuation Act," O'Neill said.

"They are also critical to our food security, allowing producers to store and protect food and agricultural inputs.

Macra stressed that farmers and horticultural producers "should not face additional costs for infrastructure necessary to protect their output" and maintain a secure food supply.

"Extending commercial rates to these facilities would create further uncertainty for farm viability and investment, particularly at a time when generational renewal and the future sustainability of family farms remain key challenges," Macra said.

Macra said it is calling for urgent action to address the implications of this ruling.

"Essential agricultural and horticultural storage buildings must be protected from commercial rates," it added.

Minister

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said his department is considering the judgement and potential impacts for the sector.

TD Robert O'Donoghue recently asked Minister Heydon if he recognises the "additional financial burden this could place on growers and other farmers already facing significant input and production costs"

He also queried the minister on what supports or exemptions are available to affected growers.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon responded: "Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the state.

"It is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001.

"My department has no responsibility in this regard.

"While the act provides an exemption from rates for certain farm buildings, it specifically excludes from this exemption: 'buildings, parts of buildings, or other structures, used for the processing or sale of agricultural, horticultural or forestry goods (whether produced on the land attached to such buildings or structures or not)'."