AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD:THE OFFICIAL Department of Finance figures did not reflect the reality of the Agriculture Estimate, Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith said yesterday.
He said the overall reduction in funding for 2010 compared with 2009 was accounted for by the inclusion of €165 million this year to meet the dioxin crisis, which was a once-off provision.
Saying agriculture had fared well in the estimates, he pointed to expenditure brought forward into 2009 that had been due next year and savings achieved in his department’s budget by staff reductions and improved efficiencies.
Disadvantaged Area schemes and the Suckler Cow Welfare Schemes were continuing, and €50 million had been laid aside for a new agri environmental scheme which would facilitate up to 10,000 farmers who were finishing their Reps programme.
Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association president Jackie Cahill said the Budget had recognised the great difficulty facing farmers.
All the farm organisations said the carbon tax would have to be amended to keep farming costs down. Irish Farmers’ Association president Padraig Walshe said it would increase agricultural diesel costs by 8.9 per cent.
Macra na Feirme complained of the lack of support in the Budget for young farmers.