Many important farming issues to be addressed in Budget 2016 – Coghlan

Fine Gael Senator for Kerry and Government Chief Whip in the Seanad, Paul Coghlan, speaking in the Seanad, highlighted some important issues for farmers ahead of the upcoming budget.

“As Budget 2015 approaches there are a number of issues which are of great importance to farmers across the country and which I believe must be addressed. Primary among these issues is the need for increased funding to be allocated for agri-environment schemes, with full payments to all GLAS and AEOS participants.

“I also believe that extra allocations are needed for areas of cultural constraints to reverse the cuts of previous budgets and support farming in marginal areas. This would make a major difference to farmers in remote parts of Kerry and other regional areas.

“In addition, it is my opinion that there should be a modest increase to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to pay farmers for restrictions resulting from land designation, where such restrictions are not covered by GLAS.

“These are all issues that will be discussed in the coming weeks, ahead of Budget 2016. I know that the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney constantly consults and communicates with the farming community and he is very much aware of all of these issues.

“It is essential that we continue to support farming and the agri-food sector. Food and beverage exports have increased by 40% increase since 2009, supporting 170,000 jobs, many of which are in rural areas and on farms. This sector is a key driver of the Irish economy and it is important that the Government addresses all of these issues.”