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IFA horticulture chair Paul Brophy has called on the next government to provide €10m in annual funding for the development of the horticulture sector.
He has also called for an extension of employment permits to cater for the demand in the sector. Around 500 permits are needed for 2020 he stated.
In a joint statement, Brophy, along with IFA grain chair Mark Browne, called for strong action from the next government for the sectors.
Browne called on the next government to fight for an increased CAP budget to take account of inflation and to compensate farmers for any additional requirements placed on them as a result of CAP reform.
Increase
“All payments to farmers must be maintained at their current levels. Any increase for farmers below the national average must be funded through an increase in the CAP budget,” he said.
He also said that there has to be greater flexibility in farm schemes such as TAMS and GLAS to allow grain farmers to invest in their farms.
“We also need to see a greater emphasis on the production and use of native grains in our food, feed and beverage sectors,” he said.
On plant protection, Browne said Irish and European growers need a level playing field so they are not competing with imports that don’t meet EU standards.
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