Our Rural Future – Have Your Say

IFA National Rural Development Chair John Curran has encouraged as many farmers as possible to get involved and input into the next phase of Ireland’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future.

“The Department of Rural and Community Development has launched an online survey on the next phase of Ireland’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future, which closes on Wednesday, April 2nd,” John Curran said.

“It’s fairly comprehensive and asks about the opportunities / challenges facing rural Ireland, as well as what actions the Government should consider to secure a more resilient future for rural communities.”

“It’s a chance, as farmers and rural dwellers, to have our say and shape/orientate future policy more toward our liking.”

“The timing mightn’t be great with lambing and calving in full swing, but we shouldn’t leave the opportunity behind us. It’s too important – it’s our livelihoods; our homes, towns and parishes at the end of the day,” the IFA Rural Development Chair said.

“Key local amenities and services are being depleted all the time, while for farmers, whether relating to ongoing trade wars; CAP or Climate targets, the operational and financial challenges are mounting all the time, all of which makes it harder and harder to attract and retain the next generation or new entrants into farming or rural areas’ he said.

“To support increased farmer participation, IFA have developed a support document which is available on our website for use and reference as required. I’d encourage as many farmers as possible to use this, and complete the survey. You don’t need to answer all the questions. The Agri specific ones are toward the back end, but it’s important to have you say,” John Curran concluded.