Specific Details
IFA General Election 2016 Manifesto (Draft)
Intended results
Improving Farm Profitability. Measures for sustainable and profitable growth of farming must be at the core of public policy for our agriculture sector.
Sufficient funding for farm schemes to deliver annual expenditure of €580m (national and EU) under the RDP. This includes funding for the following schemes: – Green Low Carbon Agri-environmental Scheme (GLAS); – Areas of Natural Constraint (ANCs); – Targeted Agricultural Measures (TAMs); – Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP); – Knowledge Transfer; and – Targeted agri-environment and organics.
Further national resources and unused CAP funds must be directed to support vulnerable sectors and unused CAP funds must be directed to support vulnerable sectors and regions, in particular through the introduction of targeted payments for Sheep, restoration of ANC payments and increased payments for the Suckler herd.
The Government to ensure the new Charter of Rights for Farmers is fully implemented and that all commitments are delivered so that farmers can maximise the benefits from Direct Payments and farm schemes. 4 The Irish Farmers’ Association IFA Submission to the Political Parties and Dáil Candidates for the 2016 General Election 1. Farm Incomes, National Funding of Farm Schemes and Charter of Rights for Farmers
A robust defence of the CAP Budget and the strengthening of EU supports in any future CAP negotiations; • CAP funds to be directed towards active productive farmers under both Pillar 1 (Direct Payments) and Pillar 2 (RDP) measures into the future.
CAP simplification, including flexible and practical operation of Greening, to eliminate the excessive compliance burden and unnecessary cost on farmers, maximise the value of supports and to improve the payment system. Simplification must include a preclearance system on the Area Aid application, a Yellow Card system for eligible land, greater tolerances, and reduced inspections for farmers.
The effective operation of EU funded market support measures at realistic “safety net” levels to mitigate the worst impacts of extreme price volatility.
That young farmers who have low entitlements are catered for in a National Reserve going forward.
As a fundamental principle, the EU must insist on strict equivalence of standards in trade negotiations. This means all imports must meet the same animal health, welfare, traceability, hygiene and environmental standards as are required of EU producers. These include EU constraints on the use of GMOs, hormones, growth promoters (ractopamine, BST), pesticide use and food safety measures.
The EU must not conclude any trade agreement which runs directly counter to EU climate change objectives by facilitating the replacement of carbon efficient Irish produce on the EU market with carbon intensive imports.
The EU must insist that Beef is designated as a sensitive product as any significant increase in imports would have a very negative impact on Irish beef prices in the EU market. Similarly the Pigmeat, Poultry and Sheep sectors must be safeguarded against any imports which target only high value cuts.
The opening of the US market offers increased opportunities for Irish Dairy exports in the post quota era, provided regulatory barriers are removed.
New opportunities and new market access for Irish exports to be developed to deliver real increases in both the volume and value of exports.
The removal of technical barriers to allow access to the US market for manufacturing beef and to the Chinese market.
The live export trade is crucial for price competition. Opportunities in international markets such as Egypt, Libya, Turkey and the Lebanon must be pursued. Barriers to live exports including to Northern Ireland and Britain must be removed.
Delivery of an increased price premium for Irish food through development of an Irish brand for exported agri-food products.
Balanced negotiations at EU level during 2016, which ensures that emission reduction targets for Ireland do not hinder the sustainable development of the sector or put a disproportionate burden on other sectors of the economy.
The positive carbon sequestration contribution of agriculture must be fully recognised by supporting the development of a vibrant renewable energy sector and recognising carbon sinks such as pasture and forestry.
The ammonia reduction targets set out in the EU Emissions Ceiling Directive must not limit the potential of the sector to grow.
Stronger legislation is required, including the introduction of an Independent Ombudsman to oversee and regulate the behaviour of retailers and to ban below-cost selling.
Increased price transparency is required to improve the overall functioning of the market. This requires the introduction of an EU wholesale price reporting system for food produce, particularly in the meat sector; •
Legislation to provide for the disclosure of profits in the Irish market by large retail multiples which would improve transparency and re-balance bargaining power in the food supply chain.
Government agencies including Teagasc to take a leading role in the promotion of price risk management tools and the training of farmers in risk management.
Pressure at EU level to overcome “State Aid” restrictions and allow the introduction of taxation instruments which are necessary to help farmers deal with income volatility.
Funding of new farm input purchasing groups and the upskilling of existing groups.
Irish Government pressure for the instigation of a sector enquiry into the European fertiliser industry by DG Competition and the immediate suspension of customs and antidumping duties on imports of fertiliser from outside the EU.
Government action to ensure that EU veterinary medicine regulations protect existing supply routes and provide a transparent and competitively priced single EU market for veterinary medicinal products.
No further increase in the Carbon Tax, as this would further erode the competitiveness of the exporting agri-food sector.
Government action to guard against any cost increases for oil prices arising from any change in status of the Whitegate facility.
Abolition of the Joint Labour Committee for agricultural workers whose functions have been superseded by the introduction of primary legislation, the National Minimum Wage laws, and the Organisation of Working Time Act.
Retention of 90% Agricultural/Business Relief and further adjustment of CAT exemption thresholds to reflect asset price increases of past two year.
Increase in the self-employed Earned Income Tax Credit of €550 (introduced in Budget 2016) to come in line with the PAYE tax credit of €1,650.
Further taxation measures to address the extreme income volatility now evident across the agricultural sector. To help achieve this, it is important that our Government insist on a review of EU state aid rules, which have hampered the development of taxation measures in this area.
Reduction in the rates of Capital Gains Tax CGT and Capital Acquisitions Tax CAT which are too high and are proving a disincentive to investment and enterprise.
Extension of the long term land leasing tax exemption scheme to leases between siblings in certain circumstances.
Reintroduction of targeted rollover relief for capital gains arising from the disposal of farm land following CPO.
Extension of SEAI accelerated capital allowances for investment in energy efficient equipment to sole traders. This is particularly relevant to the horticulture, pigmeat and poultry sectors.
That land committed to Solar Farm installations is deemed as ‘agricultural activity’ and is thus eligible for EU Direct Payments, and qualifies for Retirement and Agricultural Reliefs.
Introduction of tax-credits to encourage employers to take on apprentices and create sustainable employment in rural communities; • Double tax relief on rental expenditure and concessions on commercial rates, to encourage businesses to locate in villages and town centres decimated during the recession.
Further Government actions to increase competition in the banking sector and to improve oversight to ensure that access to more affordable finance is available for the performing primary agricultural sector.
Securing low cost EIB funds for investment and development in the agri-sector.
A reduction in the high costs of registering a Legal Charge, which is preventing movement of customers and reducing competition.
The greater availability of Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) loans delivered competitively through all the commercial banks to farmers at real interest rate savings.
Farmer representation on the governance board of the SBCI to reflect the fact that to date 32% of the €45m funds drawn down have been accessed by farmers. This represents 40% of SBCI loans to date. (€45m drawn down to July 2015 is out of a potential initial fund of €800m).
Regulation that places a fixed fee on debit card payments above an agreed transaction amount. Currently debit cards are not a realistic payment service for merchants and marts where fees based on a % of typically larger transaction amounts prove prohibitively expensive.
Livestock: The Government must ensure that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission guarantees primary producers full and open competition in the meat processing and rendering sectors. Alternatively the Government must introduce legislation to guarantee competition.
Cattle: Additional direct payments to support the suckler cow herd, to reach a level of €200/cow per year.
Delivery on the objectives and outcomes agreed in the Beef Forum, including further progress on specification, the proper operation of the QPS, increased age limit, greater availability of contracts, positive price incentives to reward quality production, improved controls on carcase trim and classification, price transparency, the establishment of producer organisations and support for live exports, including a resolution to the 30-day TB residency issue.
Availability of the Beef Data Genomics Programme to all suckler farmers, with payments on all eligible animals. •
Immediate commencement of the work of the review group to implement necessary changes including greater flexibility on the 6 year rule, reduced genotyping requirements, accommodation of 3, 4, and 5 star animals and changes to the stocking rate restrictions.
Improvement in the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes involving proper rewards for all participants, fair and practical audits at farm level and a close out approach providing tolerances to allow issues to be rectified.
The Government in conjunction with Bord Bia should develop a strong brand based on Ireland’s grass-based production model which will deliver premium prices for Irish beef.
Sheep: A targeted payment of €20 per ewe is required to maintain the national ewe flock. Sheep farmers must have full access to the RDP schemes of Knowledge Transfer, ANCs, GLAS and TAMs.
Gaining access to markets such as the US and China as well as other growing markets are very important for the sheepmeat sector and must be prioritised.
On Sheep Identification and EID - Farmers must not be subject to additional costs and bureaucracy and the derogation for lambs sent to slaughter must be maintained.
The Department of Agriculture should introduce an accurate and transparent price reporting system for finished lambs at factory level.
Dairy: An active role for the Dairy Forum led by the Minister of Agriculture to ensure all industry stakeholders, including processors, but also banks, relevant state agencies, etc. prioritise the development of financial products, advice and other risk management instruments to support dairy farmers through extreme income volatility.
The development of alternative sources of finance outside of the traditional banking sector, with tight regulations to protect farmers; • Tax mechanisms to allow farmers put away funds in good years to be returned to their taxable income for investment purposes or when incomes are poor.
Supportive planning guidelines to provide for the on-farm development necessary to deliver fully on the growth potential of the sector. • The development of the local infrastructure necessary to serve new and expanded dairy processing plants, which in turn will deliver additional employment and export revenue.
Pigs and Poultry: National funding to match the EU aid crisis fund for pig farmers. Re-opening of Russian markets for Irish pigmeat products. La
Changes to labelling legislative and effective enforcement to allow the extension of Country of Origin labelling to loose product as well as processed pig meat. This would give primary food producers a fair opportunity to differentiate their products to the consumer. Additional resources required to promote pigmeat on export markets.
Increase in the TAMS II investment ceiling to €300,000.
Animal Health: The savings accrued in the TB Eradication Programme must be utilised to provide payment of adequate compensation whilst there must also be the removal of unnecessary restrictions. This involves increased consequential loss payments for farmers to align the level of support with actual income foregone, payments for all animals removed, and an increase in live valuation ceilings.
A properly funded Deer Management Programme to address the expanding deer population including a targeted programme surrounding TB outbreaks.
Overhaul of the governance structure of Animal Health Ireland (AHI) to provide proper stakeholder representation at board level.
Overhaul of the governance structure of Animal Health Ireland (AHI) to provide proper stakeholder representation at board level
A Department of Agriculture led and fully funded IBR programme to protect market access for our vital live export trade.
A commitment to provide the financial resources necessary for a fair and equitable cost sharing Johnes control programme.
A cost effective and competitive fallen animal collection/disposal service.
EU animal health and welfare legislation must not imposed increased costs, controls and inspections or unnecessary restrictions.
A single EU licensing authority for veterinary medicines providing Irish farmers access to competitively priced medicines while protecting the existing supply routes.
Maintenance of the regional veterinary laboratories structure and provision of increased resources to strengthen vital diagnostic and advice services for farmers.
Grain: Targeted grant aid for on-farm grain drying, storage and processing facilities, precision farming and low drift spraying equipment to maximise efficiency of nutrient use and increase the value added of primary production.
A Renewable Heat Incentive RHI grant to fund the installation of biomass grain dryers. Funding for biomass trade centres to enable the mobilisation of biomass crop residues. Support for the establishment of machinery rings.
Potatoes & Horticulture: Annual Funding of €8m for the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector which must be extended to include potatoes.
Simplification of reporting and compliance to enable draw down of funding for Producer Organisations.
Forestry: Full drawdown of the funding in the remaining 5 years of the Forestry Programme to 2020
Supports for existing forest owner groups to encourage mobilisation and realise the economic potential.
Under the afforestation scheme the grant to plant marginal land (GPC1) must cover the full cost of establishment and the premium rate must compensate the farmer for agricultural income foregone in accordance with the RDP.
The establishment of a Forestry Trade Forum by the Minister to increase transparency and achieve the timber production targets.
The Forest Service to honour its commitment not to recoup overpayments arising from the initial digitisation of forest areas onto the Forest Service payment system. This commitment accepted that the mapping errors were genuine and resulted from advances in mapping technologies.
The Forest Service to limit the period of recoupment of overpayments relating to mapping errors under their control checks to a maximum of four years in line with EU regulations.
Removal of the afforestation ban and the reduction of management restrictions within the SPAs. The Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan must recognise that responsible forest management practices and hen harrier conservation are compatible.
Acquaculture: Government to act swiftly on the Food Wise 2025 commitment to review aquaculture licensing.
The provision of capital support under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to sustainably develop production, provide adequate disaster compensation and the scope to increase self-sufficiency in juveniles and seed stock for all aquaculture licence holders and renewal applicants.
The maintenance and improvement of all shellfish growing waters to “A” class standards by investment in coastal waste water treatment plants.
Equine: That the foal levy be collected on the actual stallion fee paid by the breeder.
Continued State support for the Irish Equine Centre which provides an invaluable service in protecting the disease free status of the Irish horse industry.
Rural Development Programme - Full drawdown of the funding in the remaining five years of the programme to 2020.
Flexibilities to ensure that funding can be reallocated depending on the demand for various measures.
In the EU CAP mid-term review 2017, the RDP must be assessed in relation to funding requirements and where necessary, additional exchequer resources must be provided. Additional State funding to measures such as Areas of Natural Constraints (ANCs) payments.
GLAS - A €250m annual funding allocation for agrienvironment schemes. The reopening of the GLAS scheme in early 2016 to ensure 50,000 farmers can join the scheme. Greater flexibility to make the scheme more attractive to farmers. Flexibility on commonages to ensure that farmers can maximise their payments. In a mid-term review of GLAS the cap of €5,000 must be increased.
The implementation of the targeted output Agri-Environmental scheme (in addition to the Burren) to complement existing environmental programmes in areas such as Hen Harrier, Pearl Mussel, Upland Areas, Shannon Callows and other designated areas.
Area of Natural Constraints ; Reversal of the cuts to payment rates and number of qualifying hectares in recent budgets to restore the ANC scheme and ensure it achieves its target of maintaining farming and economic activity across Ireland, including marginal areas; • A commitment in the ANC review that existing areas will not lose out and that the funding allocation is increased.
TAM II - Administration of TAMs II in a prompt and timely fashion recognising the fact that many sectors have a narrow period in which to carry out significant building work on their farm. Expansion of the list of eligible items for grant aid to include grain storage, sheep fencing underpasses, meal bins, land reclamation and internal road infrastructure.
Knowledge Transfer & Education - Government to ensure equality o access to third level education for low income farm families to fully deliver on the potential and growth opportunities in the sector.
Any changes to the funding structure for third level education must not result in children from low income farm families being excluded from accessing third level grants.
Knowledge Transfer (KT) schemes to be available across all sectors, maximising the payment to farmers, including accommodation of mixed farming enterprises. No charging of farmer participants for Veterinary fees in KT progammes.
Provision of the necessary resources to train and upskill teachers who will deliver the new Agricultural Science specification for Leaving Certificate students which is due to be introduced in September 201. Embedding of farm safety principle and practice in all aspects of the new Agricultural Science specification. Sufficient places in agricultural colleges to meet demand. Means testing for third level grants to continue to be based on taxable income.
Designated Land - the negotiation during 2016 of a new agreement for the implementation of SACs including proper consultation, a workable and truly independent appeals system and full compensation where restrictions are imposed. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme to be available to all farmers who have a designation imposed on their land and the new agreement on SACs to be implemented before end 2016.
Rural Walks Scheme - A doubling in the funding of the Rural Walks Scheme from €2m to €4m to increase the number of walks covered from 40 to 80.
Leader - Local Community Development Companies, which will operate the new Leader programme at local authority level prioritise support for on farm projects given the need for further diversification. E
Environment - The decision by the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to allow for more flexible hedge-cutting dates must be fully honoured.
The changes in the gorse buring dates to include April, must be fully honoured.
On water abstraction - full compensation for any income losses or property devaluation must be paid.
Renewable Energy - Investment in farm-level renewable energy which has the potential to contribute to our economic recovery through employment creation particularly in rural areas, reducing carbon emissions and stabilising energy costs by increasing security of supply.
Ring fencing of carbon tax revenues to be reinvested in funding for renewable energy projects.
The establishment of a high level task force, chaired by an independent chairperson and with representation from the various departments to coordinate policy formulation and implementation in the area of Renewable Energy.
Front loading of any Renewable Heat Incentive scheme to promote the establishment and adoption of new technology.
A Renewable Heat Incentive tariff to support the development of a renewable heat market: – 13c/kWth for small commercial biomass (up to 500kWth) – 8c/kWth for medium commercial biomass (less than 1MWth) – 1.5c/kWth for large commercial biomass (1MWth and above).
Community renewable energy - Tariff premia & grid exemption for renewable projects where communities have an opportunity to be shareholders in the projects. That land used for renewable energy production be eligible under the basic payment scheme. That Investment in farm-scale renewable energy initiatives qualify under the Employment & Investment Incentive Scheme.
Income tax exemption on income received from the alternative use of farmland for renewable projects, where such income is used for the purposes of re-investment in farm businesses.
Increased tariffs for roof mounted solar.
Bioenergy and Biomass - Grant aid for the development of biomass trading centres for the grain and forestry sectors, and support for the establishment of ESCOs (Energy Supply Companies) by groups of farmers.
Broadband - Rapid roll-out of the rural broadband scheme to ensure that every home, school and business in rural Ireland has access to high-speed fibre broadband. Delivery of a minimum broadband speed of 30Mpbs to all premises by 2020 in line with commitments under the scheme. Delivery of universal service obligations and charges to maintain and develop the fixed line infrastructure for all rural customers.
Post Offices - Development of new services through the Post Office network and no further closures of rural Post Offices which are essential to the fabric of rural communities.
Water Charges - No additional costs to farm enterprises arising from changes in the charging regime for non-domestic water.
Rural Roads - An increased and ring-fenced annual rural roads budget as part of a planned repair and maintenance programme. The reinstatement of a fully funded Local Improvement Scheme by the Department of Transport and local authorities to support the maintenance and repair of non-local authority roads.
Development Charges - Removal of any obligations on farmers to pay development charges, where building is taking place to comply with new or existing legislation.
Rural Planning - A review of Building Regulations to reduce unnecessary compliance costs for farm families who wish to live and work in their local communities.
Litter - Repeal of current legislation which penalises farmers on whose lands litter is being dumped. Increased fines and greater enforcement by local authorities to tackle the scourge of littering by passing motorists and users of the countryside.
Electricity Infrastructure - Utilities including EirGrid and ESB must respect the rights of landowners, not pre-empt the planning process and must put forward all options, including undergrounding of powerlines before An Board Pleanála, for all projects including the proposed North-South 400kV interconnector.
Crime Prevention - Enforcement of the scrap metal legislation, enacted in 2014 following lobbying by IFA, which must be led by the Department of the Environment so that criminals who steal from rural dwellers are prosecuted by An Garda Síochána.
Increased inspection to ensure all scrap metal dealers keep proper records and seek proof of identity from suppliers.
Extension of the Seniors Alert scheme to cover the installation of house alarms.
Increased Garda policing hours and presence in rural areas to reduce crime and create a greater sense of security in the countryside.
Support for the establishment of IFA’s National Text Alert service in partnership with An Garda Síochána.
Support for the installation of CCTV in Local Villages at locations that would assist in crime prevention and detection.
Development of Electronic Tagging / Monitoring procedures to address the areas of detention, restriction and surveillance of repeat criminal offenders.
Greenways - Full consultation must take place with landowners before Greenways are developed in rural communities. All options must be explored during this consultation to limit negative impacts and secure community and individual farmer agreement on location.
Rates - Incentives for new business start-ups such as exemptions from rates for an initial time period to encourage innovation and enterprise in rural communities.
Dog Attacks - Government, through the Departments of Agriculture and the Environment to fund a comprehensive PR campaign including TV advertising on responsible dog ownership in order to prevent unnecessary and avoidable losses to farmers. Support for dog wardens to improve policing of dog control and identification issues.
Flooding - Implementation of effective Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management plans which involve essential river maintenance for the protection of farm land and rural communities from the increased regularity of flooding events. The establishment of a single body to deal with flood management and river maintenance.
Farm safety inspections are not linked to cross compliance under the Basic Payment Scheme. Occupational Health and Safety to be included as an exam module in University and Agricultural colleges to change farm safety behaviour. Introduction of a PTO scrappage scheme to support farmers to replace old PTO shafts with new safer models.
Fair Deal Scheme - There should be a cap on the maximum % charge that can be applied to non-residential assets, in all circumstances. This would provide certainty for farm families and allow them to make the most appropriate decision in meeting the costs of care. Where a transfer has been made, but within the previous 5 years, there must be a clear limit set on the % of the value of that asset that can be charged against the cost of care of the former owner.
Clearer guidelines must be issued to determine ‘sudden illness or disability’. The interpretation must also be broadened to include those who have been cared for at home for a relatively short duration, but subsequently require care.
Farm Assist - Government to reinstate income disregards under the Farm Assist scheme which provides a vital support to low income farm families, underpinning production and economic activity.
Rural Social Scheme - The Rural Social Scheme to be increased from its current number of 2,600 to 4,000 places with flexibility on eligibility criteria to accept low income farmers outside Farm Assist in order to deliver specific community projects.
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) - Low income farmers to be included as a target group for support under SICAP
Regulation of Lobbying - Simplification and reduction of the compliance burden for registered lobby representatives.
Access to Leinster House for registered lobbyists, similar to access available in the European Parliament. Introduction of similar registration obligations for unregistered groups (who have no employees).