Taoiseach gets the message from Offaly farmers at IFA AGM
OUTGOING Offaly IFA Chairman Aidan Larkin gave a clear message to Taoiseach Brian Cowen at the Association's AGM on Monday night. In his final address as Chairman Mr Larkin told An Taoiseach that farmers 'cannot live on fresh air and water'.
Mr Cowen was guest of honour at the AGM on Monday night where he was answered questions from the floor for more than half an hour.
It was a surprisingly calm gathering, with most farmers sounding a note of resignation rather than anger and frustration in a series of questions that covered topics such as forestry, sheep tagging, the role of supermarkets and a variety of farm payments.
Aidan Larkin says he intends to remain active in IFA despite coming to the end of his tenure as county chair and losing out to Laois's Ger Bergin to become Leinster vice-president before Christmas.
In his speech he reminded the Taoiseach that the county's 3,250 farmers contributed n225m to the economy in 2009 and said that "farmers must continue to be rewarded for their multi-functional role."
He called for intervention to cut the prices Irish farmers pay for chemicals which they can't buy in the UK because of department regulations, despite the fact that the cost is more than a third higher here.
He said Area Aid, young farmer Installation Aid and the Farm Improvement Scheme should be reintroduced as soon as possible "to encourage and stimulate young blood into the sector."
His call that the rate of carbon tax on agricultural diesel from 8.7% to 4.4% was echoed by a fellow farmer who spoke from the floor, pointing out that it was an illogical tax on the industry.
The Taoiseach said the Minister for Finance is aware of farmers' concerns and was considering the issue but could not make any promise.
The Taoiseach said the future lies in stabilising the public finances to bring back confidence, he said
"Recessions will come and go," he said. "But how quickly we get out of it and how well prepared we are when the upturn comes is the key question we have to focus in on now, "
He said he had a meeting and "a very good, long discussion" with new IFA President John Bryan from Kilkenny.
"There is a very strong, constructive approach from the new president," he said, but accepted the two men would not agree on everything.
The overall situation he said was "heartening" because of the increase in the number of young people applying for places at agricultural colleges.
He said the government will continue to work with farmers in the future, but "we have a job of work to do."
"I still believe we've a way forward, I still believe we can work together constructively and I want to commit myself here to the Offaly IFA that I will work with my Minister for Agriculture in any way I can to assist in the months and years ahead."
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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