Farmers need RDP supports says IFA

Local IFA officials have called on the agricultural minister to ensure that co-financing for the rural Development Plan (RDP) is initiated.

Longford IFA County Chairman, Andrew McHugh, said Minister Coveney must deliver strong national co-financing for the Pillar II RDP which, he insisted would provide “vital support” to low income farmers’ future investment in farming and the agricultural industry as well as the rural economy.

The local IFA chief also went on to say that it was imperative that the Minister, put in place, next year, an agri-environment scheme for the farmers who are leaving REPS 4 at the end of this year. “These farmers must not be denied vital agri-environment payments and in particular those with environmental restrictions,” he added. “A robust RDP with adequate funding will underpin agricultural production and investment over a seven year period and will complement the implementation of the CAP I payment - therefore an early decision is now imperative.” REPS4 concludes on December 31, 2013.