The Irish Farmers Association has reacted to reports that farmers may be required to grow crops in 2022, due to potential food shortages. IFA President Tim Cullinan states that, to date, there has been no liaison with farmers.
“We are in very challenging times and farmers will certainly play our part in any national or European effort,” he said. “However, it is far from certain that asking all farmers to plant crops is the best use of the resources that are likely to be available to us,” he added.
“The biggest issue facing farmers is the rocketing cost and availability of inputs. This is where the Government needs to focus their efforts, as well as looking at some of their own regulations.”
The association has been invited to a meeting with Minister McConalogue on next Tuesday evening after a scheduled Cabinet meeting.
“It would be very unwise of the Government to make any decisions on this before engaging fully with farmers,” Cullinan said.
“Irish farming is very different than it was in the 1940s. What was done then may not be the solution today,” he said.
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