“Low-emission slurry spreading equipment (LESS) has become a huge part of our climate action strategy but the cost of putting it in place is just too great for most,” this is comes as the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association says that there should be a VAT exemption on LESS equipment. The VAT price for a standard 2,500-gallon spreader is upwards of €10,000 and ICSA president Dermot Kelleher says that this is a major factor and should be addressed if we are to be serious about making the equipment the norm.
The ICSA has also taken the current global situation into consideration upon their call and says that things should be done a bit differently in order to soften the impact. Kelleher says that as it is becoming more compulsory in reducing emissions, one should consider all options when getting farmers on board financially. The initiative has become part of the climate action strategy but the cost of putting it in place is too great for most, says ICSA.
“Grants are available through TAMS but the reality is that the price of the equipment has increased dramatically in the past few years making it not sufficient enough to make the slurry tanker affordable”, was Kelleher’s take on the current dilemma facing farmers.