Agri-Business
The FCI has criticised Budget 2027 for failing to address the "carbon tax burden" facing agricultural and forestry contractors.
Budget 2027
Ahead of Budget 2027 being announced tomorrow, there are calls for a carbon tax rebate scheme for agricultural contractors.
An Irish contractor has been voted onto the new board of CEETTAR, the European Confederation of Agricultural, Rural and Forestry Contractors.
Contractors
The body representing farm contractors has written to the government requesting a temporary extension of the slurry spreading period beyond October 1.
The government is being urged to establish an independent fuel price regulator in response to rising marked gas oil (green diesel) prices.
The FCI has said it has written to the government this week to call for targeted financial support to deal with green diesel prices.
The body representing farm contractors has said that some of its members have had to reduce their workforces.
fuel costs
The government has been called on to provide a 'rural mobility dividend' payment to combat the rising fuel costs for rural people.
The body representing contractors has called for the full budget for the Fuel Income Support Scheme to be kept within the agri-sector.
Machinery News
The growth in agricultural contractor services has helped reduce direct machinery ownership costs on many Irish farms, according to the FCI.
The Department of Agriculture (DAFM) said payments under the Fuel Income Support Scheme are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Fuel support scheme
The European Commission has formally approved the Irish government's €85 million Fuel Income Support Scheme.
Schemes
Around 2,000 applications have been made by contractors for the Fuel Income Support Scheme, the Department of Agriculture said.
FCI
The increasing prices of fuel, parts, repairs and salaries this year have all left contractors "struggling to cope", according to the FCI.
Minister Heydon, has today (Wednesday, May 27) announced an extension to the closing date for the Fuel Income Support Scheme.
Tillage
Teagasc is strongly advising all tillage farmers and contractors to apply for the Fuel Income Support Scheme.
Minister Martin Heydon has outlined the steps farmers and contractors need to take to apply for the new Fuel Support Scheme.
The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has welcomed the fuel support scheme for contractors and farmers.
The government today (Wednesday, April 29) unveiled the full details of a €100 million fuel support scheme for farmers and contractors.
Rural Life
The 2026 Irish Stock Fencing Championship will take place at Clonmel Show, Powersown Park Racecourse, on Agricultural Show day, on July 5.
The Minister for Agriculture has urged financial institutions to "take a sympathetic approach" when dealing with farmers and contractors.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has convened the inaugural meeting of the Farm Contractors Working Group (FCWG).
The FCI said it is still awaiting “the final details" of the Temporary Energy Support Scheme proposals for agri and forestry contractors.
