The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has issued “principles” for the extension of the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS).

Michael Biggins, the association’s national rural development chairperson, has called on Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed to begin discussions on extending GLAS contracts for 36,000 farmers whose plans finish at the end of this year.

“It’s vitally important that the arrangements are put in place at an early stage to allow all farmers to make the necessary adjustments to their plans,” Biggins argued.

The IFA has said that it will be making “a strong case” for agri-environment schemes to be adequately funded in next October’s budget.

Pig compound feed

In other IFA news, the association said today, Wednesday, May 13, that pig compound feed prices have “moved out of line” with ingredient costs.

Tom Hogan, the IFA National Pig Committee chairperson, has called on the industry to reverse recent price increases imposed from Friday, May 1.

“Compound feed mills supplying feed to the pig sector implemented increases of between €8-12/t for finisher ration last week and the price of weanling and link rations have also increased by €15-20/t,” he said.

Spot prices for cereal have not increased much above €200/t and barley is trading as low as €175, Hogan noted.