IFA Says Exclusion Of Dairy Equipment From Wider CAP Plan Discriminates Against Wicklow Farmers

The I.F.A.’s National Dairy Chairman says the exclusion of the dairy equipment scheme from the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes in the consultation document for the CAP strategic plan, discriminates against the dairy sector in Wicklow and throughout the country.

Since its introduction, over 7,800 farmers nationwide have received grant aid from the scheme amounting to over €56 million, representing a total investment of over €120 million in dairy equipment on farms.

Stephen Arthur says excluding the Dairy Equipment Scheme ignores the importance of the dairy sector to the rural economy.

Speaking to East Coast News, he says the scheme is vital in supporting investment in the sector and must stay in place.