Minister Has to Act on Teagasc Analysis of Covid-19

IFA President Tim Cullinan said the scenarios presented by Teagasc today for farm incomes for 2020 are frightening.

“Teagasc has looked at three scenarios arising from the impact of COVID-19 and the most benign would see farm incomes fall by 26% this year. Particularly for low-income sectors, this would be a disaster for farmers,” he said.

 

“This report reinforces IFA’s campaign for a direct payment to support for cattle finishers,” he said.

 

“This stark warning has to be a wake-up call for the Government and EU Commission. We need to see a much stronger response if farmers are to survive,” he said.

 

“The recent announcement from the EU Commission is far short of what is required to deal with the shock to farm incomes that Teagasc is predicting,” he said.

 

The IFA President said the analysis is what could happen from this point. “It takes no account of the scale of losses inflicted by Brexit, especially in the beef sector.”

 

“Other EU member states are availing of state aid flexibilities to support their farmers.  The Minister in Northern Ireland has come forward with £25m of support for their beef and dairy sector. Our Minister has provided no financial support,” he said.

 

“The Minister needs to come forward urgently with a meaningful response,” he said.