Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 2 March 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Challenges in the Pig, Poultry and Horticulture Sectors: Irish Farmers Association

Mr. Tim Cullinan:

I will answer the question on the funding for the pig sector and Ms Brennan will address the horticulture issue. We are clearly stating and understand that any funding we get is taxpayers' money. We are conscious of that. We are trying to support a sector. Much of the money generated in this sector goes back into the local economy, which is important to remember too. The Minister can increase the funding above €7 million. I am acutely aware of that. More funding will be needed. We need everybody to sit down and negotiate how that will happen and to put in place structures around it. The Minister is not restricted to just €7 million. More funding can be provided. It is critical that we have a structure and a way to protect this sector until a time that the market starts to improve. The market will improve. The major concern is about where inputs are going. I mentioned the situation in Ukraine earlier. This is worrying. Will we be able to lower input costs again? There has to be more intervention in funding by the Minister and Government.

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