ICSA president Sean McNamara has called on the Government to take a firm stand in defence of food producers and implement decisive measures to support Irish farmers. "Frontline food producers have been financially savaged over the past several years, and many are reaching the conclusion that they simply cannot continue. The loss of these farmers not only threatens our agricultural heritage but also undermines food security and rural communities across the nation," he said.

Mr McNamara was speaking following a meeting with Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, which was held in Government Buildings this afternoon, Tuesday, 10 September 2024.

Addressing the Taoiseach, Mr McNamara said the recent publication of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture does however signal a positive shift towards recognising the importance of food producers and food security. "This shift must now be translated into concrete actions at the national level, beginning with halting the ongoing decline of the suckler sector.

 This Government must act now—and take proactive steps—to stop the decimation of the suckler herd. A payment of €300 per suckler cow must be delivered with the help of a revamped SCEP Scheme that actually works for suckler farmers who have seen their incomes drop to an average of just €7,425."

 "Equally, our beef finishers, sheep, and tillage farmers, who have all seen dramatic income declines, need urgent support. In 2023, beef finishers endured a 19% drop in incomes, leaving them with an average of €14,735, while sheep farmers saw a 22% drop to €12,625, and tillage farmers faced a staggering 71% reduction in income.

 This is why Budget 2025 must deliver €150/head to beef finishers for finishing cattle earlier, as this requires substantial investment and cannot be achieved without targeted support. For sheep farmers, we are seeking a minimum of €35 per ewe, including a standalone scheme for sheep dipping worth €10/head. For tillage farmers, the recommendations from the Food Vision Tillage Report must be fully funded and implemented without delay."

 "The low incomes in these sectors also highlight the urgent need to streamline access to social protection through Farm Assist. Despite farmers struggling with extremely low earnings, they continue to face unnecessary barriers when trying to access basic social welfare support, and this must be resolved."

 "The need for a well-funded Retirement Scheme has also never been more urgent. Such a scheme should provide financial security for retiring farmers while facilitating the next generation of farmers to take over, grow their business, and secure a sustainable income. A future for Irish farming must include clear pathways for transition and rejuvenation."

 Mr McNamara stressed the importance of maintaining the current nitrates derogation. "Any further reduction in the derogation would have serious repercussions on the cattle, sheep, and tillage sectors by significantly increasing pressure on the land rental market. This Government must do everything in its power to protect the nitrates derogation."

 "Lastly, but of most immediate concern, we in ICSA stressed the need for an early intervention on winter feeds. Grass growth has been way down and it's already shaping up to be a disastrous winter fodder and feed wise. Early intervention in the form of assisting farmers to purchase the necessary supplies to get them through the winter is essential."