Midlands Farming 2020

NEWSPAPERS

MIDLAND FARMING

2020

A TOPIC NEWSPAPERS AUTUMN FEATURE

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30 FEATURE

TOPIC • 24 September, 2020

MIDLAND FARMING FEATURE - AUTUMN 2020

ICMSA accept seriousness of Budget situation but “cost-neutral” progress on farming still possible Speaking after a video conference with Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath and Minister of State, Patrick O’Donovan, on the prospects for next month’s Budget 2020, ICMSA President, Pat McCormack, said that farmers “fully realised” the constraints that the Budget would be delivered within, but the ICMSA President stressed that several measures were needed to support the farming sector and boost the rural economy, particularly in light of Covid19 and the Brexit threat.

Mr McCormack said that concerns were mounting as the atmosphere around the postBrexit trade negotiations worsened.

While he was satisfied that the Government understood the imperative of securing a trade deal that allowed Irish food exports to continue being sold into their traditional British markets, he did stress that in the event of negotiations failing and the UK exiting on the basis of ‘No Deal’ then what Mr McCormack described as “massive and immediate” aid would have to be made available to our farming sector as it grappled with the loss

of up to €4 billion worth of exports. “We emphasised to the Ministers that the idea that any degree of ‘preparation’ can cushion that kind of blow is just delusional. None of this is to support the British Government’s attitude or its most recent stunt; but the fact of the matter is that our farming and food sectors – which the economic are engines of rural Ireland – will be perhaps fatally wounded by the loss of the British markets. That has to frame our attitudes and it certainly has to frame the drawing up of budgets both in Ireland and in the EU”, said Mr

McCormack.

In terms of what could be done relatively unproblematically, the ICMSA President noted again the disparity between Earned Income Credit allocated to PAYE workers and self-employed individuals, like farmers. Mr. McCormack also asked for practical uncomplicated and measures that would smooth the transfer of family farms to the next generation including the retention of the current Stamp Duty Reliefs.

But his most fervent appeal to the Ministers was to consider adopting the Farm Management Deposit Scheme

that he said would help address the wild fluctuations in income that were, Mr McCormack said, “battering” family farms and eliminating any prospect of them being able to plan their business on the kind of predictable year-to-year basis that was the norm for every other comparable business.

“We’ve done the work on this and given the Government a farmerfriendly scheme that they (the Government) could supervise and regulate but which would allow farmers to use funds earned in ‘good’ years against tax bills in ‘bad years’. It’s absolutely cost-neutral and completely supervised by the Government, but it would give

the farmers of Ireland some sense of security at a time when it was more badly never needed”, said Mr McCormack.

In terms of farm schemes, Mr. McCormack said that it is essential that a fully funded REPS scheme is in place for 2021, that TAMS continues to be available to farmers in 2021, and that a dairy scheme calf-to-beef should be introduced to better integrate dairy and beef production systems. Farm schemes are important economic drivers in the rural economy and it is vital that sufficient funding is available for 2021 providing a boost to the struggling rural economy, concluded Mr. McCormack.

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TOPIC • 24 September, 2020

FEATURE

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MIDLAND FARMING FEATURE - AUTUMN 2020

Government launches €500 million long-term lending for SMEs, Farmers and Fishing

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar T.D. launched a €50 0 million expansion at the end of July 2 02 0 to the Future Growth Loan Scheme, the government’s scheme to support SMEs, farmers and fishing.

The additional funding will be provided by the European Investment Bank Group. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar T.D. said: “The past few months have been very difficult for businesses. Things will continue to be extremely challenging over the coming months and the new government must do everything possible to help businesses navigate this unprecedented time and get back on their feet.

“Applications are now open, making available a further €500m of long-term loans to help more SMEs make investments to enable them to expand, diversify or improve productivity.

These loans will help business, such as Luzern Technology, who I met today, adapt and position themselves to succeed in their new trading environment.”

The government launched the first €300 million round of the Scheme last year helping 1,150 SMEs, farmers and fishers to date make strategic investments to grow their businesses.

Today’s announcement will see the European Investment Bank Group pro-

vide an additional €500m for the Scheme, bringing the total investment in the Scheme to €800m.

Loans of between €25,000 to €3 million are available at competitive rates for terms between 7 and 10 years.

The scheme will facilitate significant injections of liquidity for businesses looking to develop strategic responses to the changing business conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and by Brexit. This scheme will help to facilitate innovation and ensure that our enterprise base is sustainable into the future.

The scheme is supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, the European Investment

Bank and the European Investment Fund, and delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI).

The European Investment Bank’s engage-

ment has been partially guaranteed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments.

To access the Scheme, businesses must apply for eligibility through

Local dairy sector reassured as outlook for milk price still “generally positive” Following the announcement of the August Ornua PPI, the Chairperson of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee said that the current market continues on a generally positive trajectory following the turmoil of the early part of 2020. Ger Quain said that looking through the fluctuations of the last three months still showed an underling stability that gave milk-suppliers grounds for optimism on prices moving forward.

“Looking at our milk prices compared to our European neighbours, the LTO calculated monthly milk prices in

July 2020 averaged to €32.51 per 100 kg of standard milk. That’s an increase of €0.21 compared to the previous month. But Irish milk price remains below that average ranging from €1 – €2.21 per 100kg below and we would think that the target has to be reducing that difference and then closing it completely in the coming months. Given the international status of Irish dairy products, we don’t think it’s unreasonable for Irish dairy farmers to expect their milk to be at, or above, the EU average.

In terms of the Dutch Dairy

Quotes for the first week of September, butter and SMP gained ground to the tune of half a cent per litre this week – and that’s significant as the first week of September is traditionally indicative of market sentiment after the August holiday period.

WMP powder has also been stable for the last two months and buyers usually set out in earnest after the summer break so we think this is looking reasonably healthy as well”, said Mr Quain.

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32 FEATURE

TOPIC • 24 September, 2020

MIDLAND FARMING FEATURE - AUTUMN 2020

GOVERNMENT ACTION NEEDED TO ADDRESS FORESTRY LICENCE CRISIS IFA Farm Forestry Chair Vincent Nally said the forest sector is in a state of emergency because of the licence crisis. “Farmers are facing delays of up to two years, and in some instances significantly longer, to get

licences to plant, build a forest road or thin their forest. Applications, which were previously zero-cost, are now costing farmers a minimum of €1,50 0 where a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is required,” he

said. “This is unsustainable and has enormous financial implications for these farmers, many of whom are being forced into a nonthin policy that will significantly reduce their income during the rotation as well

as at clear-fell stage. This will have serious implications for timber supply”.

Vincent Nally said that we have heard in recent days the impact of the licence crisis is having on the wider sector and the potential job losses that are predicted due to the shortage in timber supply and the risks to the national estate due to the importation of timber from countries that have been devastated with bark beetle. “The majority of farm forests cannot justify the cost of a NIS and are being actively disadvantaged and discriminated against by the Department’s policy. The two-tiered system introduced by the means Department

Pictured is IFA’s National Chairman of the Forestry Committee who met with Junior Minister for Agriculture Pippa Hackett to discuss the current issues facing the Forestry Sector including Felling Licences, Ash dieback, and holdup on Planting Approval. L-r: Vincent Nally IFA’s National Chairman Forestry Committee and Pippa Hackett, Junior Minister. that these applications could have to wait in excess of two years before a decision is taken”. The plan is not acceptable and disproportionately affects farm forests that can-

not justify the costs associated with planting and managing forests. If the system is not made more farmer friendly, the proposals set out in the Programme for Govern-

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ment – Our Shared Future and the Climate Action Plan will not be achieved.

It is estimated that the afforestation programme for 2020 will be approx. 2,500 hectares.

This is the lowest rate of private planting in 36 years. The reasons are simple: farmers have disengaged from forestry as a viable land use option, due to the excessive bureaucracy, ineffective administration and spiralling costs associated with planting and managing forests.

IFA proposals are as follows: The system must

ensure that no farmer has to wait longer than four months for a forestry licence as set out in the Forestry Act 2014 Section 18(1) for a decision on a licence, irrespective of the application size.

A review of the current AA screening process, associated rules and thresholds.

In particular, the 15 km radius ‘likely zone of impact’ employed by the Department for screening for forestry licences must be reassessed and the radius employed tailored to the size and nature of the application.

Introduce a costbased planning support grant for forest owners to assist with increased costs and requirements associated with applying for a felling and afforestation licence, including the submission of a Natura Impact Statement, as reference in the Mackinnon report.

Amend the Forestry Act 2014 to introduce new exemptions for activities, such as forest road construction and thinning operations, that do not present a significant landscape change and present a low risk from an environmental perspective.

TOPIC • 24 September, 2020

FEATURE

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MIDLAND FARMING FEATURE - AUTUMN 2020

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AGRI PARTS Grassland: Hedge Cutters: P.T.O Shafts: NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh announces the 2021 ploughing dates The NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh, following an NPA Executive meeting on Thursday, 17 September 2020, is delighted to announce that next year’s Ploughing National Championships will take place in Ratheniska, Co Laois, on 15, 16, 17 and 18 September 2021. “It is a particularly special year as we will be celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the National Ploughing Championships and hosting the World Contest with international competitors and visitors from over 20 countries. The site in Ratheniska is ideal as it has all of the criteria to qualify as an

excellent location with great ploughing ground, easy accessible road network combined with a beautiful scenic setting in the middle of Ireland.

Given the year that everyone has experienced it is wonderful to announce some positive news and with hope we can look for-

ward to welcoming everyone to next year’s “Ploughing’ in County Laois.”

Ploughing’s Chief Organiser and World Ploughing General Secretary Anna Marie McHugh said “ I would first of all like to take this opportunity to thank all involved for making this year’s digi-

tal ploughing such a success this week under unchartered and unprecedented circumstances. It is with great delight we welcome all of our international colleagues, ploughers and friends to such a fantastic venue for next year’s 68th World Ploughing Contest in Ratheniska, Co Laois.”

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34 FEATURE

TOPIC • 24 September, 2020

MIDLAND FARMING FEATURE - AUTUMN 2020

Farming - the best job in the world, if you’re willing Farming is changing almost daily, and the future of farming in the Midlands could see the disappearance of the small farmer and an

increase in larger farming units in the years to come. Such is the views of a few local far mers with whom Topic spoke this week.

Farmers, who did not want to be named or directly quoted, had the same reply when asked about the future of farming locally and nationally. “Farming is

the best job in the world, if we could only have a bit more control on the prices and on the weather”. Farming is 99% weather reliant!

One young Mullingar

farming entrant, Dereck Kerrigan, a medium sized dairy who has farmer enjoyed farming all his life and who now takes over his father’s farm

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Offaly County Council

Áras an Chontae, Charleville Rd, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

Tel: (057) 9346800, Fax: (057) 9346868 Web: www.offaly.ie Email: environment@offalycoco.ie

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agrees with the statements. Dereck loves farming and enjoys the freedom of being outside in nature and with animals but tells us the weather plays a big part in how he manages his farm and his herd to keep producing consistent quality milk every day.

“The weather can add thousands of euros to your expenses, on top of the layout of regular expenses” Dereck tells us. Weather, along with fluctuation in the prices for the milk and more recently, the volume of paperwork to appease the powers that be in Europe means there is much more hard work involved now than years ago. Farmers like Dereck have much more expenditure to keep the farm and equipment and animals in the required condition.

Dereck agrees that grants are there in return but

states that sometimes the volume of work required to apply for the grant and the expense of satisfying all the conditions, significantly adds to the workload.

“The standards for products being produced today are extremely high for dairy farmers like myself.

You have inspectors from Glanbia, Bord Bia coming in regularly as well as milk being inspected daily on a wide range of parameters. There’s no such thing as cutting corners in farming in this day and age!”

Dereck states. “There are regular on the spot farm inspections, medical inspections for cattle as well as inspections to ensure there is no contamination in the products and to ensure that any possible contamination does not enter the food chain”. While he welcomes the high stan-

dards, the workload involved isn’t always achievable for the small to medium sized farmer, who maybe has no help on the farm and has to do everything by themselves.

The last decade has seen an exponential amount of paperwork.

Dereck explains that many processes are online but it’s still another job to add to the already existing of work amount involved. Farming is a 24/7, 365 days a year job out of which about one day per week in total would be spent on paperwork, even for a medium sized farm such as Dereck’s.

“Many people don’t realise that it’s the small things that need attention to detail; things like ensuring you detail and record the windspeed on days of spraying the land as well as making sure to detail how you dispose of the plastic you use

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Dereck and his little helper, his son Jack finished milking for the day.

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TOPIC • 24 September, 2020

FEATURE

35

MIDLAND FARMING FEATURE - AUTUMN 2020

to put in the hard work! for your silage” Dereck explains, “but I full agree with these housekeeping measures as it’s only right that the countryside is taken care of and that good practices in farming are evident and maintained”.

Dereck generalises by stating that the farming market in general is very volatile. Cattle prices fluctuate weekly.

Beef is up a little bit now. The different farming associations all play their part in trying to get the best for their members.

Dereck agrees that farming in Ireland has become very EU centric; so in lieu for EU grants, a whole host of regulations have to be met. Failure to meet these regulations, result in not only grants being cut or not awarded but also in fines for the farmer.

Virus or no virus, life on the farm has to keep operational. This year has been changeable, with the good weather in March affecting tillage farming whereas that same good weather was great

for grass growth and dairy farming.

Dereck believes there are not many young people interested in farming these days. He is lucky to have a young local lad help him out on his farm and is happy to have the dedicated help but says not everyone is as lucky.

“Young people these days can’t entertain the idea of working 365 days a year, 24/7 with practically no days off.

The prospect of not being able to plan holidays as well as not being able to keep a home/life balance that is acceptable to all the family is a real turn off for most” Dereck states. “This will affect the future of farming in the Midlands in years to come; in about 5 / 10 years’ time, there will be fewer smaller farms around and much more bigger farming units. This will come about through the buying power of some existing larger farmers who will be happy to buy up or take up long term rental of good land that

IPCC - “While The Horticultural Industry Talks about Change, Habitat and Wildlife Destruction Continues” The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) need to see an end to the use of peat within the horticultural industry. The practice of peat extraction leaves behind open brown mines degrading our air, water and wildlife. There is little environmental regulation in this industry and horticultural peat extraction has directly contributed to the nearextinction of key Irish species such as the wonderful wader - The Curlew.

The recently published report on the Review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry Public Consultation has recommended that a working group is to be established including Government Departments/State Agencies, Industry Stakeholders and environmental

Non-Governmental Organizations.

The IPCC made a submission on the public consultation highlighting the fact that there is no carbon tax being paid on the ¾ of a million tones or more of horticultural compost being exported or millions of bags of compost being sold to gardeners, that the majority of companies operate outside of planning and licensing and the destruction of the Irish landscape unnecessarily.

“While a dialogue channel is opening, it can not be seen as a success until real change is witnessed.

Ireland’s natural environment has suffered without a voice and while talk continues, the mining still continues” - says Tristram Whyte, Conservation Policy Officer with the IPCC.

may be going reasonably cheap nearby them.

The small farmer with the current struggles wouldn’t be able to match the larger farmer’s buying power, many of whom will likely have on the spot finance ready for such deals.

Dereck tells that “milking is still desirable as there is money every month whereas with beef, the money is seasonal”.

Most people have the idea that if you’re a farmer, you have old money and finance is always available but this is not the case Dereck explains. He feels that large supermarket chains have spoiled the agricultural industry and he

feels it’s criminal how these chains are allowed to treat farmers, especially tillage / potato farmers. By the time everyone gets their cut, from the big executive on €2 million a year (plus bonuses and expenses), right down to the lorry driver who takes away your milk or veg, there is very little left for the farmer who puts in 99% of the hard work into producing the product.

All that being said, Dereck enjoys what he does and will keep going for as long as is financially possible. He has more help at hand with his young son Jack showing a keen interest in all things farming!

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Guinness is good for you - Dereck feeds his cattle on the remains of the hops that are made for producing Guinness.

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36 FEATURE

TOPIC • 24 September, 2020

MIDLAND FARMING FEATURE - AUTUMN 2020

MII agrees Covid-19 protocol on staff safety and business continuity with SIPTU • Ongoing serial testing throughout the sector shows low positivity rate of 0.3% • Comprehensive safety measures in place are working Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and SIPTU have reached agreement on a detailed Code of Practice to protect staff in the industry from Covid-19.

The Code of Practice

formalises the existing suite of measures in place in members’ processing facilities that have played an important role in delivering the sharp reduction in the number of cases and clusters in meat plants. It underpins the existing HSE specific guidance for the meat processing sector.

The Code harmonises separate proposals put forward by SIPTU and MII, drawing on a large

area of common ground in both organisations’ approach to employee safety.

The HSE serial testing programme continues in meat processing facilities nationwide. The results are very encouraging and point to a low level of incidence of the virus. Latest information from the HSE on the comprehensive testing regime is that the positivity rate is 0.3%.

This demonstrates

that the comprehensive protocols and mitigation measures in place in processing facilities across the country are working. No other industrial work setting has had such a comprehensive screening test programme in place.

Commenting on the protocol, Cormac Healy, Director of MII, said: “We are pleased to have worked with SIPTU to

agree this set of safety protocols to protect employees in our sector.

It formalises a wide range of measures that have already been put in place and will provide reassurance that the industry is 100% committed to taking all appropriate steps to mitigate the risk posed

by Covid-19.”

“The sharp reduction in clusters in meat plants and the low rate

of positive test incidence shown by the ongoing serial testing is indicative that the efforts being made are working.

However, there is no room for complacency. Given the wider community trends in Covid-19 cases, continued vigilance and rigorous enforcement of mitigation measures and testing, track and trace is essential.”

New Director of the Environmental Protection Agency

Dr Ciara McMahon.

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Eamon Ryan TD has secured Government approval for the appointment of Dr Ciara McMahon as one of the five Directors of the Environmental Protection Agency. Dr McMahon will take up the position with immediate effect.

Dr McMahon previously held the position of Programme Manager in the Agency’s Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring, focussing on the area of Environment and Health.

She has a wide range of national, EU and international experience and specialist knowledge in radiological and environmental protection with over 20 years’ experience in areas including emergency preparedness, environmental surveillance, radiation monitoring, citizen science, radon and air quality. Dr McMahon has represented the Agency on the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning and also worked at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Announcing the appointment, Minister Ryan said: “Ciara has a proven track record as a public servant committed to the protection of our environment. She will bring a broad range of experience, gained at a national, EU and international level, to the executive board of the Agency. I am confident that Ciara will make a valuable contribution to the work of the Agency and in addressing the many challenges ahead.”

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