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Feb 19th, 2010
ICMSA call for immediate introduction of new Farm Investment Schemes
Speaking after a meeting with Department of Agriculture officials in Portlaoise, the Deputy President and Chairman of the ICMSA's Farm Services and Environment Committee, Mr. John Comer, has called on Minister Smith to immediately implement all schemes identified on the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme programme.
While the meeting focused on the immediate implementation of the pig and poultry welfare schemes Mr Comer believes that it is vital the Dairy Equipment Scheme, Water Harvesting and Sheep Fencing/ Mobile Handling Equipment Schemes are introduced without delay. He spoke in particular about the number of farmers anxiously awaiting the introduction of the €45m Dairy Equipment Scheme and stated that its early introduction is vital to ensure farmers are allowed the opportunity to upgrade their dairying facilities without delay.
Mr. Comer expressed extreme concern that the new selection criteria being introduced by the Department would lead to many farmers being excluded from grant aid. He listed some of the new criteria such as size of holding and the question of whether or not the farmer has suffered a penalty under any co-funded EU scheme since 2000 and described them as totally unacceptable. He specifically rejected the binding of farmer to lower than the standard costs in the upgrading work as totally unworkable. The Deputy President stated that the proposals outlined by the Department will lead to much confusion and distress for farmers because despite complying with all application procedures they will not know when applying if they will qualify following ranking by a Selection Committee.
Mr. Comer concluded by stating that the Minister must immediately intervene and ensure a practical approach is adapted to the implementation of these new schemes and stressed once again the importance of introducing all schemes without delay.
Ends. 19 February 2010.
John Comer, 087-2057846
Deputy President, ICMSA
Or
Cathal MacCarthy, 087-6168758
ICMSA Press Office
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