Closure of REPS 4 a 'devastating blow'

THE GOVERNMENT decision to close the REPS 4 scheme for new applicants was described today (Thursday) by IFA President Padraig Walshe as a devastating blow for up to 34,000 mainly livestock farmers who would finish their environmental plans over the next three years.

He criticised Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith for abolishing a very significant support which, the recent the Teagasc National farm income figures showed, that many farmers were dependent on and which added greatly to the rural economy and environment.

Mr Walshe said that farmers in REPS 3 were not being allowed to join the REPS 4 scheme, the support of which was vital for the viability of livestock farms.

"Minister Smith must immediately come forward with a new meaningful scheme for these farmers, which ensures that the net benefit of REPS to farm income is maintained", Mr Walsh insisted.

In relation to threats to the Disadvantaged Area payments in 2010, the IFA Leader said that further cuts were totally not acceptable as already farmers in Disadvantaged Areas were facing a cut in their payments in 2009 as a result of last October's budget.

"If Minister Smith proceeds with these cuts in 2010, up to 50% of the income of many drystock farmers will be wiped out", he predicted.

Mr Walshe added that farmers were outraged by the cuts at a time when farm incomes were at their lowest level in almost a decade and tens of thousands of farm families were struggling to survive.

"In relation to the use of modulated funds, it is clear that the Government are using EU money to replace national funding with no net benefit to the farmers from whom the funds have been taken",Mr Walsh said.

"The IFA is seeking an urgent meeting with the Taoiseach to demand equity for farm families who are struggling to survive."