Longford Farming News: Fuel measures won't protect food production, says ICSA rural chair

ICSA Rural Development chair Edmond Phelan has said the Government’s announcement of a 3c/L reduction in green diesel falls far short of what is needed to address the unprecedented surge in fuel and wider farm input costs.

“ICSA made it clear that token measures would not protect farmers or food production, and unfortunately that is exactly what has been delivered. A 3c cut is negligible in the face of fuel cost increases of up to 70%,” he said.

Continuing, Mr Phelan said, “The mismatch between the scale of the crisis and the Government’s response is stark.

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Hauliers are benefiting from extra, retrospective support, which is welcome, but farmers are still only getting a small cut that makes little real difference.

There is no recognition of the critical role that primary food producers play in maintaining food supply, and a marginal reduction like this will not affect a farmer’s ability to pay bills or continue producing.”

Concluding, Mr Phelan said, “ICSA is calling on the Government to urgently reassess these measures and introduce meaningful, targeted support for primary food producers. Without real action, farmers will have no choice but to cut back, and that will hit food production and push prices up for everyone.”

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