The ICSA Vision
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association emerged as a farming lobby group, specifically for cattle and sheep farmers following the 1992 MacSharry Reform of the CAP.
Our Mission
ICSA aims to represent our members in striving for equality for all farmers, freedom from bureaucracy and opportunity to farm.
Our Vision
ICSA is unique amongst Irish farming organisations in that it exclusively represents the voice of drystock farmers. Such a tight focus allows the ICSA to most efficiently identify and respond to the key issues concerning the beef and lamb sectors. ICSA also aims to represent the views of Ireland’s rural communities, of which agriculture forms a key part.
As Part Of This Vision, ICSA Aspires To Deliver:
Common Agricultural Policy
Key ICSA Demands
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- €300/hd per suckler cow
- €35/hd per breeding ewe
- €100/hd beef carbon efficiency payment
- Young Farmers – 25% top-up for young farmers under variable suckler and ewe coupled payments
- Retirement Scheme for Intergenerational Transfer – an early retirement scheme for those aged 55 and over amounting to €100/cow for 5 years
- €15,000 Agri-Environment Scheme
Key ICSA Principles
- Fairness for lower income sectors
- Delivering on green agenda
- No capping on suckler herd
- Focus on supporting active farmers
- Opposed to membership of Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme being linked to CAP payment
Product & Marketing
- A fair share of final consumer price for farmers
- Regulation of the Food Supply Chain and more transparency on retailer margins
- Greater emphasis on clean, green image of Irish food and development of marketing strategy based on that image
- Emphasis on developing premium export markets and differentiation of Irish product in order to return a viable price to Irish producers
- Full labelling across Europe to give consumers comprehensive information on country of origin, methods of production (e.g. grass reared) and levels of traceability
- Retain GM-free status in terms of crops grown as part of a strategy to develop Ireland’s clean, green image
Taxation & Budget
- A taxation regime that doesn’t disincentivise hard work and entrepreneurial spirit
- A taxation regime that assists those who have invested in developing and expanding their farms
- Support for efficient farm transfer between the generations without punitive capital taxes
- A VAT / excise duty / carbon tax regime that makes Irish agriculture more competitive not less
- Support for pro-active tax measures to encourage long term land leasing, farm partnerships, land consolidation and installation of young farmers
- Government commitment to providing matched exchequer funds to ensure maximum draw down of EU rural development funding and other supports
Animal Health & Welfare
- Strong support for live animal exports which reward high quality suckler farm systems
- Provision of workable solutions contributing to the eradication of Bovine TB in Ireland
- Enhanced resources for Animal Health Ireland programmes tackling BVD, IBR, Johnes Disease and other costly infections
- Continuation and expansion of government-funded livestock welfare programmes.
Rural Development
- Societal and governmental recognition that agriculture is central to economically vibrant rural communities
- Acceptance that alternative enterprises must be supported
- Acknowledgement of the role of tourism in rural Ireland and its role in increasing national prosperity
- Balanced regional development via increased air access, in tandem with improved public services through enhanced rural transport and better roads
- Proper broadband infrastructure in all communities
- Provision of educational opportunities to all, ranging from provision of training at local level, to adequate places at agricultural college and third level grant aid being determined by income criteria only
- Respect for our elder citizens through well-resourced community care plans, outreach programmes and a non-discriminatory nursing home support scheme
Energy
- Incentivising and encouragement of anaerobic digesters by means of realistic refit tariffs
- Inclusion of biofuels as part of Ireland’s renewable energy strategy
Not A Member Of ICSA Yet?
ICSA members can avail of €100 off, or enjoy a 10% discount on the cost of AXA Farm Insurance. Why not see what you can save?
Our Latest News
URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO SHIELD IRISH FARMERS FROM US TARIFFS
ICSA president Sean McNamara has said the imposition of 20% tariffs on EU food exports to the US is yet another blow to Irish agriculture, warning...
ICSA DEMANDS FAIR SUPPORT FOR BEEF FINISHERS
ICSA Beef chair John Cleary has said that while the inclusion of beef farmers in the new National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme (NDBWS) is a step in...
CAP BUDGET MUST BE PROTECTED TO SECURE FARMING’S FUTURE
ICSA President Sean McNamara has called on Minister Martin Heydon to stand up for farmers at today’s meeting of EU agriculture ministers in Brussels...
ICSA DEMANDS FIRM END DATE FOR DELAYED ACRES PAYMENTS
ICSA Rural Development chair Edmond Phelan has said it is completely unacceptable that farmers are still waiting indefinitely for the ACRES payments...
ICSA On Twitter
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'Long overdue' TB payments welcomed by ICSA
'Long overdue' TB payments welcomed by ICSA
Unacceptable delays must never be repeated, ICSA animal health and welfare chair John Barron has said.
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