IFA President Calls for Agri-business Support for Rural Development Co-funding

IFA President John Bryan has called on agri-businesses around the country to support IFA’s campaign for 50:50 co-funding for the next Rural Development Programme.

John Bryan said a strongly-funded RDP is the best stimulus for the rural and wider economy. “Agri-businesses have always recognised the importance of supporting primary production as a means of driving economic activity and creating jobs. The Government needs to hear their voice very clearly on this issue.”

The IFA President said the UCD Report published earlier this year set out in detail the dividend that could be harvested from investment in primary production. Apart from the strong link between existing jobs in food processing and agri-business, there is also the potential for increased employment if we have matching funding for what has been agreed at EU level.

John Bryan John Bryan said, “The Government must provide 50:50 co-funding, with national top ups, to provide a combined EU/national annual budget of €660m under CAP Pillar II measures. The IFA campaign has prioritised strong farm schemes to support vulnerable sectors and regions, and low-income farmers”.

The IFA President said investment under the Rural Development Programme underpins production across all regions of the country, through schemes such as Disadvantaged Areas, Agri-Environment (REPS/AEOS), Suckler Cow and Sheep payments and farm investment aid for on-farm modernisation and efficiency.