The continual erosion of farm incomes over the past 18 months has led to severe difficulties for farmers. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO ), farm incomes will have fallen by 30 per cent at the end of 2009, this is on top of a 10 per cent drop in 2008. Clearly, the farming industry is in crisis as this figure signifies the biggest drop since Ireland joined the EEC in 1973.
For many farmers, investment decisions made in recent years will continue to affect income levels for many years, in the form of loan repayments and depreciation. In July of this year, the National Farm Survey revealed a 13.8 per cent increase in costs on farms, with the price of feed, fertiliser, plant protection products, and fuel all increasing.
There is a dramatic decline countrywide in services provided due to Government cutbacks.
Fergal Boyle is no stranger to these cutbacks. Mr Boyle worked for Teagasc as an agricultural consultant for several years in Roscommon and Sligo before starting his own agri-consulting business in July of this year. He is also an approved Department of Agriculture REPs planner and a member of the Agricultural Consultants’ Association. Mr Boyle, originally from Balla, received his early education in Craggagh National School and Balla secondary school. Following that he studied agriculture and was awarded a BAgSc degree.
Because of his farming background, Mr Boyle understands the difficulties faced by farmers and strives to combat them. “It is vital to meet the needs of the farming community in an efficient and competent manner,” he said. “In these difficult times, farmers need guidance on how best to run their farms and ensure documentation is completed accurately and efficiently so that payments are received as quickly as possible.”
Mr Boyle has worked with a wide variety of clients over the years and is enthusiastic and committed to providing a professional and superior quality service. He can assist with REPs planning, nutrient management plan, soil sampling, nitrate regulations, farm assistance applications, and farm VAT returns. Mr Boyle has offices in Ballymote and Castlebar and can arrange appointments to suit client needs, for farmers currently in REPS or dealing with other EU schemes. Contact Fergal on 071 919 7616 or 087 322 4684.
