Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Farming across every sector is struggling. Bureaucracy is smothering farmers. Farmers have become so bogged down in adhering to a myriad of directives and tackling mountains of paperwork that the actual pleasure and satisfaction of farming is slipping from their grasp.

Farmers throughout Ireland are facing changes and challenges unlike anything ever witnessed. Reduced sale prices, rising costs, heavy regulation, serious debt, climate change demands and cheap imports are threatening the livelihood of farmers in my constituency of Tipperary North-Kilkenny. Farmers are not against change and advancement. They are pro-progress and pro-improvement. However, the imposition of ever-changing rules, regulations, restrictions, inspection regimes and red tape is grinding them down. Farmers, young and old, are questioning viability and survival prospects. Our oldest and largest indigenous sector is in danger of being squeezed out of existence.

I have been meeting and talking to farmers for many years and I have never before witnessed such exasperation and vexation. The imposition of negative measures is leading to frustration, aggravation and, in many cases, despair. The desire of young farmers to take over family-run farms has almost evaporated. Looming in the backs of the minds of our future farmers is the Mercosur deal, which remains a massive threat to the beef sector, and the transformation of CAP away from supporting food production towards reducing farm output. Another matter of grave concern is the reductions to the nitrates derogation imposed by the European Commission with absolutely no flexibility offered and the Commission's threat to remove the derogation entirely in 2026.

The economic viability of the tillage sector is in an extremely precarious position. The level of rainfall has made it impossible to move livestock out into fields. Planting and sowing of tillage crops is way behind and bills are mounting as farmers struggle to keep on top of their work. I support the IFA's call for a tillage expansion and sustainability scheme to be urgently introduced to financially support farmers.

The issue of VAT rebates remains a big issue for farmers who have carried out essential works on their farms. Issues have arisen with the Revenue Commissioners' interpretation where some investment items farmers had previously received refunds on are no longer eligible. This is unfair and counterproductive.

The struggle to remain in farming is growing more challenging. Worry and stress replace incentive and planning. Strategies for growth have changed to prayers for survival. What is the Government's response to farmers at this critical juncture?

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