The IFA is calling on Government to introduce a series of tangible measures, outside funding purely diverted from CAP, pre-Budget 2023 to support Irish farm families in their efforts to boost on-farm sustainability – from economic, social and environmental perspectives.
“Budget 2023 gives this Government the chance to demonstrate just how committed they really are to supporting the agri sector, and how much they truly understand the on-farm challenges arising from the inputs price hike,” said IFA President Tim Cullinan at the launch of IFA’s pre-Budget submission.
The submission can be read in full here.
IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh said in addition to accelerated capital allowances and VAT exemptions for emission efficient investments, IFA is calling for Budget 2023 to deliver a new ‘Roof-top Solar Scheme’ (RTSS) and a new ‘Anaerobic Digestion Support Scheme’ (ADSS) financed by the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications.
“This must be separate from TAMS, to support increased investment in renewable energy sources on-farm. No specific allocation for solar panels or anaerobic digestion exists within the €8bn National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme recently announced,” she said.
IFA is also calling for Minister Donohoe and Minister McGrath to maintain existing agri-taxation measures to support sustainable growth; agricultural activity asset transfer; and balanced rural development within Budget 2023 for at least the next three years.
The submission also identifies the need for all temporary flexible arrangements and maximum permissible co-financing under the EU Emergency Crisis reserve; the Common Agricultural Policy; and allocations from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to be utilised to combat the current on-farm input crisis.