BOG REWETTING MEETING

BOG REWETTING MEETING

The IFA and Bord na Móna Working Group held their first virtual meeting on the Peatland Climate Action Scheme last week.

IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe said it was a positive first meeting of the group.

He said, “I  look forward to working closely with Bord na Móna over the next four years as the Peatland Climate Action Scheme rehabilitation works get underway in the 82 bogs identified”.“The scale of the project is ambitious, and the timeline for implementation short, particularly in light of the current COVID-19 restrictions. This limits opportunities for local farmers and communities to engage with the process fully,” said Mr Rushe.

At the meeting, Bord na Móna gave a presentation on the Peatland Climate Action Scheme, which provided insight into the planning process, hydrological assessments, and the management of previous rehabilitation projects.

The IFA Countryside Chairman said, “It was beneficial to receive detailed information about the scheme but that many questions remained unanswered. Farmers have significant concerns. Bord na Móna must address them”.

During the meeting, it was agreed that Bord na Móna  would:

  • Provide written responses to the questions asked by farmers from the Q&A session at the recent IFA meeting on Bog Rewetting,
  • Give an overview of the hydrological assessment, including the procedures for estimating and predicting water on a specific site.

The Working Group will meet again in late March to continue to review the implementation of the Peatland Climate Action Scheme, particularly in the 19 bogs proposed for rehabilitation in 2021.

 

 

February 24, 2021

RE-OPENING OF ORGANIC FARM SCHEME

RE-OPENING OF ORGANIC FARM SCHEME

IFA Organic Project Team Chairman, Nigel Renaghan has welcomed Minister of State Pippa Hackett’s announcement that the Organic Farming Scheme will re-open.The scheme is due to re-open in the first week of March subject to EU Commission approval. It will increase the number of organic farmers by up to 30% in Ireland.  “We were unequivocal at our AGM last week – the Department must execute this scheme correctly. We are meeting with the Minister later this week to discuss it further,” he said.

Nigel Renaghan said, “The scheme last re-opened in November 2018 for four weeks. 75% of applicants were refused admission due to a flawed points-based system which discriminated against smaller land-based applicants. The re-opened scheme must be properly administered; we cannot have a situation where so many farmers are rejected again”.

“IFA has lobbied extensively for the rejected applicants of the previous scheme who continued to farm organically, despite remaining outside the scheme. The Minister’s commitment to prioritising these farmers is positive. There has to be an acknowledgement that these farmers have been farming organically for the last two years with no payment. They should receive the conversion rate of payment for two years from the time they enter into the scheme.”

Ireland has one of the lowest organic farming levels in the EU, with just 2% of land under organic production, compared to an EU average of 8%. Government support is needed if this number is to increase, in line with the Farm to Fork strategy.

The organic sector is currently under-resourced with investment, research and advisory services. There has to be a balance between the supply and demand for organic produce to maintain farm-gate prices.

 

February 3, 2021

BE SAFE AND SECURE IN 2021 CAMPAIGN

BE SAFE AND SECURE IN 2021 CAMPAIGN

IFA, together with An Garda Síochána and FBD has launched a printed information pack for its members across the country that provides tips on how farmers and the rural community can stay safe and secure in their homes, on their farms and online in the months ahead.

This initiative highlights the need for vigilance in many areas with practical and straightforward information on safety, security and general wellbeing as well as the importance of looking out for your friends, family and neighbours.

IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe said, “When we entered 2020 we never imagined the year that lay ahead of us. COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way we behave at home, on our farms and in our businesses.”

“As we look ahead to 2021, we must continue to prioritise safety in our homes and look out for those that may need assistance in our communities. We are proud of the strong relationship that exists between ourselves, An Garda Siochàna and our insurance partners FBD. We hope this Guide will provide practical information to help and support you, your family and your neighbours in the months ahead.”

An Garda Siochana’s Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said, “Since my appointment in May 2020 I’m delighted to continue to build on the partnership between IFA and An Garda Siochàna, and we are delighted to support the IFA’s ‘Be Safe and Secure in 2021’ campaign. As we navigate through the winter period together, I want to reassure you that we in An Garda Síochána are here to help, to work with communities to ensure the support you need is available. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact your local Garda Station or phone your Local Authority Helpline. With dark evenings and mornings upon us, the need for road safety and ‘’Be Safe Be Seen’’ is as vital as ever. Whether waking, cycling or driving, preparing for the road trip is essential”.

 

December 17, 2020

New Garda Operation Model is Welcome

New Garda Operation Model is Welcome

IFA Countryside Chairman Richard Kennedy has reacted to the launch of the new Garda operating model by the Garda Commissioner, ‘A Policing Service for the Future’.

IFA is a contributor to the annual national Policing Plan.

He said, “It is our view in IFA that the current policing model is not working. We have lobbied consistently for an increased Garda presence in rural areas. The new proposed operating model will result in an additional 1,800 gardai working on the frontline, in the community. This is very welcome news, ensuring Gardai will be able to do the work they were trained for, out and about in rural areas, as opposed to sitting in offices filing paperwork.”

We support the Garda Commissioner on this initiative.

 

August 23, 2019

NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT FOR RURAL AREAS

NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT FOR RURAL AREAS

IFA President Joe Healy said the Government’s decision to proceed with the National Broadband Plan was an important development for rural Ireland.

Mr Healy said, “Broadband is an essential tool for the business of farming, accessing health and education, bridging the digital divide and the development of vibrant communities. Farm families and rural businesses require access to a fibre broadband service that makes their lives better and lowers the cost of doing business”.

Joe Healy said, “There is only one chance to get this right and given the scale of investment by taxpayers, the focus MUST be laser like to ensure value for money”.

“I believe the roll out plans should have a parallel process for starting at the most rural edges of the network to ensure that those most underserved receive it quickly. The overall completion timeframe which has already been extended to seven years must be delivered on.”

May 8, 2019

GREENWAYS RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED TO REVIEW CURRENT DEVELOPMENT APPROACH

GREENWAYS RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED TO REVIEW CURRENT DEVELOPMENT APPROACH

IFA has said that the publication of research by Teagasc and NUI Galway highlights the need to review the current approach to developing greenways.

National Environment Chairman Thomas Cooney said, “Recreational routes, such as greenways and blueways, have an important role to play in promoting agri-tourism and economic activity in rural areas. However, they will also have a significant impact on farming activity and rural communities. This is often ignored by councils, such as Kerry County Council, who plough ahead with greenway proposals, impose CPOs and ignore alternative routing options put forward by farmers.”

Thomas Cooney added, “This research highlights post-construction issues that remain unaddressed and ignored. This includes liability where recreational route users stray off designated routes, as well as concerns regarding potential for increased criminal activities, littering and general impact on farming operations.”

IFA has said an alternative approach is needed.  Kerry County Council must end its legal threats on landowners and consider all alternatives presented, rather than imposing a predetermined route for the proposed South Kerry greenway.

April 10, 2019

RECOMMENDATIONS ON COMMUNITY POLICING & RURAL CRIME MUST BE IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT DELAY

RECOMMENDATIONS ON COMMUNITY POLICING & RURAL CRIME MUST BE IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT DELAY

IFA Deputy President Richard Kennedy has welcomed the publication today by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality of its Report on Community Policing and Rural Crime.

Richard Kennedy said IFA has taken a proactive role in the area of crime prevention, but that more can and must be done by the Government, as evidenced by this report.

He highlighted how over the last year, several serious incidents have occurred on farms. Many farmers and rural dwellers live in real fear for their safety, which is compounded by geographic and service isolation. Theft of valuables from rural homes and of livestock and machinery from farms is also a major concern.

Richard Kennedy said, “IFA has said many times that there is a need for greater patrolling of rural Ireland. Farm families need to see a much greater Garda presence on the road. The JOC has agreed with us and included it as one of its key recommendations”.

A proposal to establish a dedicated Rural Crime Task Force in crime blackspots was suggested by the IFA in its presentation to the JOC last October. At the time, IFA highlighted how a similar UK Task Force has been successful in tackling rural crime. This has also been included in the list of recommendations.

“The Committee has done good work and produced a sensible, workable report. However, it will be a fruitless exercise if it left on a shelf gathering dust. The Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan and his officials must set out a clear timetable for implementation and IFA will be seeking a meeting with him to discuss this as soon as possible,” said Richard Kennedy.

March 28, 2019