Laois IFA chairman John Fitzpatrick says that the biggest challenge for farmers this year will be the price of inputs while the issues of CAP and climate change will continue to be a huge consideration.
In his wide-ranging address to the Laois IFA AGM in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel on Monday night, Fitzpatrick spoke about a range of issues facing the farming sector.
In what was the first in-person AGM since this time two years ago – last year’s AGM was held on Microsoft Teams – Fitzpatrick also addressed a shortage of farm labour, the importance of communicating early with suppliers and banks and the always-important consideration of farm safety.
And while the meeting, attended by the IFA’s deputy president Brian Rushe, heard a number of emotive pleas from the floor, Fitzptarick was strong in his views that “farmers are adaptable people” and “can make changes” required of them.
While there was an acknowledgement that prices were good across a range of farm sectors last year, the massive increase in costs this year is making things very difficult.
Brian Rushe gave the example of urea, which is now €890-€900 per tonne this year – compared to about €325 per tonne 12 months ago.
It means that where farmers can get credit for fertiliser, for example, they’re being supplied with less than half of what they were for the same amount a year ago.
“The costs have rocketed,” said Fitzpatrick in his speech. “But I would call on co-ops, banks and revenue to be flexible.
“With farmers, you might not get paid on the day – but you will always get paid.
“I’d urge farmers not to ignore issues. Speak to your suppliers or bank. Can they be flexible regarding payment?
“Make things easier on yourselves. Expenses like fertiliser are only going to get higher. People might need help.”
And Fitzpatrick also called on the Department of Agriculture to pay farmers their Single Farm Payments in a more timely manner.
“The department can do a huge lot here by paying people on time,” he added.
“There is no reason why they can’t pay 75% up front. I’d encourage farmers too to contact the department in plenty of time to check that everything is ok with their file – we have a tendency to wait for them to contact us.
“I know I got a letter with problems the day I was expecting the cheque. It meant it was delayed by two months.”
Touching on farm safety, he said, “we just need to keep taking the necessary steps”.
“We’re all guilty of rushing around – but we have to stop and think.”
And all connected to this is the fact that fewer young people are choosing farming as a career.
“Our industry has to be attractive to get into and it has to be a viable career. The interest is out there but the income isn’t.
“Lack of help is an issue on farms and it’s putting pressure – mental and physical – and creating safety issues. Farms have gotten bigger, things like calving are intensifying – help is needed but it’s not easily got.”
Praising his fellow county officers and branch officials around the county, Fitzpatrick said that the elected representatives “have to look at things in reality”.
“We can give out about politicians but we can’t do without them.
“The world needs to be fed and climate change needs to be addressed. Farmers can do both.
“But we have to be taken seriously. Why should we be penalised for producing top quality food?
“Agriculture is rural Ireland and what would Ireland be without agriculture?”
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