6 SEPTEMBER 2017

ICSA president Patrick Kent has said Minister Creed must insist on the inclusion of Ireland in the number of states permitted to make 70% advance BPS payments on 16 October in order to assist hard pressed farmers throughout the country.

“Recent adverse weather conditions have caused havoc for all sectors and for that reason alone it is vital to secure a 70% advance payment this year. Farmers in the west and northwest in particular are facing enormous challenges, and while the Minister’s announcement of targeted support measures to provide assistance to farmers in North East Donegal following the severe flooding there is welcome, the issues are far more widespread than that. Grain growers right around the country are having major problems as well as those unable to finish silage cutting,” he said.

“Compounding these difficulties is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the movement of exchange rates which have caused the complete collapse of cattle prices. I would urge Minister Creed to immediately make the case in Europe to secure an advance payment of 70%.”

ENDS