Agri Politics
Deal on 2015 EU budget struck yesterday leaves CAP crisis reserve of €433 million intact.
Agri-Business
Farmers with off-farm employment will qualify for vital tax reliefs if they spend 20 hours a week working on their farm according to a recent clarification by the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan.
Rural Life
Concerns have been raised over the impact of new measures in Budget 2015 on part-time farmers by newly-elected TD for Roscommon-South Leitrim Michael Fitzmaurice.
Concern has been expressed over the definition of an active farmer under the 2014 Finance Bill, which ICSA President Patrick Kent has says will rule out vital agricultural relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax in the case of many farm successors.
With an array of tax exemptions and new schemes announced by the Government in the budget this week it’s important to highlight that many of the announcements are only relevant to what’s known as an active farmer.
N.Ireland
There is a stark contrast between Government support in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland for Agri-Food industry growth according to the UFU.
Agri-taxation benefits the country to the tune of €790 million according to a report commissioned by the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan. The report formed the basis of much of the agricultural tax reforms announced by the Minister in the Budget.
Other
The issues around GLAS and delays in processing and payments means more farmers can avail of the scheme, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney.
There was a generally positive reaction to Budget 2015 from farm organisations and stakeholders following its announcement by the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan yesterday.
Opinion
It seems that few budgets contain any real surprises these days, with the leaks and whisperings in the run up to the official announcement, it's really just a case of detail that has to be delivered on the day.
Budget 2015 contains 12 specific agri-taxation measures, as part of a a 25-part package designed to encourage more productive use of agricultural land
Speaking in the Dail today, the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan said the macro economic and fiscal framework underpinning the budget is good.
There are a number of major challenges affecting the Irish agri-food sector’s ability to deliver on its potential and that should be addressed in the upcoming budget, according to ICOS.
IFA President Eddie Downey has said that the ongoing negotiations at Cabinet for this October’s Budget represent a real test of Minister Coveney’s commitment to the development of the agriculture sector.
The Chairperson of the ICMSA’s Farm Business Committee, Mr. Lorcan Mc Cabe, has stated that unfortunately farmers are once again trying to manage their business and plan for the future in the midst of ongoing milk and beef price volatility.
