Young farmers under 40 who have been farming for over five years stand to lose out under new CAP proposals - that’s according to Longford-Westmeath TD Robert Troy.
Deputy Troy was speaking after a meeting in Hodson Bay last Friday attended by hundreds of ‘old’ young farmers. The meeting was organised under the banner ‘forgotten farmers’ who are concerned about their lack of eligibility for the young farmers supports under the new CAP reform, despite being under 40 years of age, as they have been farming for more than five years.
He said that: “These farmers are being unfairly penalised under the five year rule. They missed out on previous young farmers installation aid schemes and are now missing out on the new CAP reform measures. It means that instead of encouraging young farmers and enabling them to invest in their land they are being penalised for actively farming over the past five years. It’s clear from the huge crowd in Athlone that this is a major issue for neglected young farmers across the country.”
“There is a serious shortage of young farmers across Ireland. We need to encourage and support fresh blood in the industry if it is going to reach its full potential. I am calling for action on this issue to ensure that these forgotten farmers get they support the need and deserve,” Deputy Troy concluded.
