Government Ought to Take Advantage of Young Trained Farmers Entrepreneurial Spirit
22 July 2009
Macra na Feirme has seen some of Irelands best Agri entrepreneurs apply for the 11th FBD Young farmer of the Year over the past few months, and calls on Brendan Smith and the Government not to turn its back on young farmers who are qualified, willing and able to put in the time and effort it takes to get their enterprises up and running. It is therefore paramount that the government remembers its social partnership agreement.
Mr. Gowing said under the last Social Partnership agreement, the increases agreed for Agricultural schemes were firstly eroded by the Government and then schemes were suspended and closed, take this in parallel with the agreements for other sectors including the public service where significant increases were agreed but cuts in these areas are miniscule compared to agriculture where the average farm income is 103% reliant on agricultural schemes including REPS.
Currently in the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition which recognizes excellence and the important contribution young farmers make to local communities we are receiving a large amount of applications from excellent young farmers who have the skills, drive and determination to build and develop their farm businesses but who are seeing their livelihood devastated by the cuts to agricultural schemes. Over the competitions history we have seen such a high level of farmers with drive and enthusiasm to make a success of their holdings. These young farmers want to grow and expand their business and create employment opportunities and not be forced to exit agriculture. These are not hobby farmers they are farming entrepreneurs and should be treated with the same respect the government gives to other entrepreneurs.
Mr. Gowing said the Government is turning its back on young farmers who are being left to sink in their business start ups and so is agriculture which is a major earner of export money for the Irish economy.
