Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill says Budget will leave farming community 'disappointed'

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Food and Horticulture, Jackie Cahill has said that the failure of the Government to introduce a low-cost cash flow loan scheme and an income-volatility scheme in taxation will leave many Irish farmers disappointed.

"Many farmers, after the Budget, are deeply frustrated. Of course, the €40 suckler cow payment and ANC changes are welcome, but there are many farmers who will not benefit from these changes," said the Thurles-based TD.

Deputy Cahill said that a low-cost cash flow loan scheme for farmers was desperately needed. Farmers’ cash flow was already under severe pressure and low-cost credit was critical to helping them survive. The failure in Budget 2019 to make any progress on this will hurt family farmers.

"Additionally, many farm organisations requested the Government to establish a Farm Management Deposit type scheme that would allow farmers put away resources in a government-protected and regulated account in good times. They could then withdraw these resources in leaner times to support their business and pay their taxes. This would not have been overly expensive but would have given some reassurance to farmers," said the FF Deputy.

He pointed out that 25 per cent of land was not under the Areas of Natural Constraint, and while the additional €23m for the scheme was welcome, for up to a quarter of Irish farmers it won’t do anything for them.

"Opportunities were missed to give family farmers a fighting chance," said Deputy Cahill.