Farmers 'Day of Action' takes place in Nenagh

North Tipperary IFA were pleased with the turnout by the farming community as part of the ‘IFA Nationwide Day of Action’ on Friday.

The ‘action’ began at 11am in Nenagh and lasted for approximately one hour from start to finish. A similar protest was held in Cahir.

The day of action was focused on county towns around the country. IFA officers in each of the association’s county executives organised the rally “to highlight the importance of the farming and agri-food sector to the rural economy”.

Nenagh is a hugely important agricultural town with our mart, Arrabawn Co-op, ABP and many other agri-businesses, stated North Tipperary IFA Chairperson, Imelda Walsh.

She added: “We are aware of how difficult the last 16 months have been for local businesses trying to trade through Covid restrictions

Our farming community has always been very supportive of lo. cal business and every €4 a farmer gets €3 goes into the rural economy."

Ms Walsh said the action will focus on CAP reform and the Climate Action Bill. “Both of these will hit our most active, productive and viable farmers.

“Agriculture is of huge importance to our rural towns and villages in Tipperary as it provides thousands of jobs both directly in food and drink processing and also in the wider agri-industry, including input suppliers, agricultural contractors, auctioneering, accountancy, veterinary and many others."

Ms Walsh said the value of agriculture exports for Tipperary is almost €1 billion.

The CAP negotiations were adjourned without a deal which is the best outcome for now,” she said.

With regard to the Climate Action Bill, Ms Walsh said farmers will not allow their sector to be scapegoated. “Our farms sequester carbon with our hedgerows, grass and our forestry sector and this has to be included in the calculations.”

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has outlined the times and locations for their “nationwide rally” tomorrow (Friday, June 11).

The demonstration was the first by the IFA since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic

“The shape of the next CAP and the Climate Action Bill will have significant repercussions for farming. We need policies that support commercial farming into the future,” he added.

The demonstration will be the first by the IFA since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.