Welcoming the declaration of Brucellosis-free status in Ireland by the Agriculture Minister, Mayo Fine Gael TD John O' Mahony said this is a great result of years of disease control effort by everyone involved in producing quality beef. Deputy O’Mahony said the €9 million saved in disease control costs should be invested in young farmers’ installation aid.
“There have been no brucellosis cases since 2006 and the savings in costs of disease control are estimated to be over €9 million. This money should go to the Young Farmers Installation Scheme, co-funded by the EU. This scheme was cut by the Department of Agriculture in December 2008, leaving around 500 young farmers high and dry after making financial commitments in anticipation of assistance under the Installation Scheme.
“Targeted investment in educated, motivated young farmers is good for farming, for the food industry, for jobs, and the national coffers. The best young farmers still cannot get set-up loans. This scheme was working to bring new, young farmers into farming where the average age of farmers in Ireland has increased to over 50. It is time to invest in job creation and economic stimulus schemes. Backing the young farmers of Ireland is the best job creation stimulus package going,” concluded Deputy O' Mahony.
