Independent Ireland has today (Sunday, September 15) released a new agricultural policy ahead of general elections led by Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, which has a main objective to “strengthen the backbone of rural Ireland”.
The manifesto set out by the party includes €1 billion in additional funding for agriculture and the creation of a dedicated minister for the fisheries sector.
Independent Ireland stated that its policies “are clear”. The party stated that it will work to advance policies that expand farming and fishing, and will oppose any effort to restrict the two industries.
One of the policies suggests introducing a “yellow-card scheme” for farm inspections and implementing a 21-day notice before farm inspections. This would exclude animal welfare checks.
The agricultural policy also looks towards removing carbon tax on marked gas oil sold to the agricultural sector including agricultural contractors.
Independent Ireland
In addition to broad supports across all sectors, the manifesto is broken down into what the party will be focusing on for each sector and area.
Dairy
- Oppose any reduction in derogation level and support farmers with water quality challenges;
- VAT reimbursement for dairy farmers on fixed milk tanks, calf feeders and mobile or fixed slurry cleaning equipment.
Beef and suckler
- Introduce a second Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) – a simplified scheme to sustain suckler farming;
- When combined with the National Beef Welfare Scheme (NBWS), each eligible cow and calf will be raised to €300. This scheme will assist 20,000 farmers;
- Farmers, including in SCEP 1, to experience raised subsidy on a pro-rata basis;
- Promote domestic consumption of Irish beef.
Sheep
- Research and create viable wool markets;
- Increase funding for sheep improvement schemes;
- Implement a comprehensive dog control plan to protect livestock.
Equine
- Issue Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) grants to cover change of use.
Pigs and poultry
- Invest in infrastructure and promote free-range practices.
Tillage and horticulture
- Implement €300/ha of a supplemental subsidy in addition to basic payments;
- Maintain funding for current schemes in the tillage sector;
- Explore the feasibility of resurrecting industries that have closed in recent decades; for example, sugar beet production and processing;
- Introduce urban allotment scheme.
Other areas
Education
- Targeted financial supports for young vets to join or set-up practices in areas where remoteness and scarcity of vets is posing a danger to animal welfare;
- Open two more veterinary schools, so students do not need to go abroad;
- Ensure anti-competitive practices are prohibited and legislate to prevent an oligopoly from developing in the sector;
- Provide financial support to agricultural colleges to prevent Irish students from having to travel abroad to pursue an education in agriculture.
Exports
- Ensure continuation of live export markets and oppose EU policies that threaten them. Support live export of dairy calves and weanlings from all herds.
Organic
- Reopen organic scheme for farmers who wish to engage in organic farming and eliminate the duplication of form-filling in the organic sector and schemes.
Environmental
- Introduce ACRES 3 open to 20,000 additional farmers who wish to participate.
TAMS
- Increase annual budget by €50 million (to €140 million);
- Increase grant to 70% maximum;
- Allow contractors to qualify for TAMS grants for all slurry equipment;
- Expand grants to deal with longer winters and increase slurry storage capacity;
- Expand list of qualifying equipment and infrastructure fundable under the scheme.
Forestry
- Full re-engagement with EU on regulations in forestry sector;
- Ensure balanced county percentage contributions;
- Improve compensatory scheme for ash dieback;
- Full review of carbon sequestration to include hedgerows and unmanaged forestry.
Common Agricultural Plan
- Engage with EU to ensure the budget for the agricultural plan is fit for purpose and addresses the issues for which it was originally designed;
- Ensure any future proposed environmental scheme is not taken out of the budget;
- Advocate for fair distribution of payments and maintain key income support schemes and increase budgets for critical schemes.
Speaking at the announcement, Deputy Fitzmaurice said: “This policy is about protecting our way of life. Farmers and fishermen are the backbone of rural Ireland, and it’s time we start to properly invest in and support these industries.”
“Farmers and fishermen are the guardians of our land and waters, and it’s time we support them with common-sense solutions that secure the future of rural Ireland,” Deputy Fitzmaurice added.
The new policy also looks towards supporting young farmers via lease-to-buy
schemes including strategic low-interest and longer-term loans.
The party also aims to provide for further research into bovine tuberculosis (TB); Protecting the right to cut turf; and introducing grants for both women farmers and forgotten farmers.