The Irish Cattle and Sheep farmers Association ( ICSA ) has slammed Minister for Agriculture , Mary Coughlan for closing off funding for the Farm Improvement Scheme ( FIS ). ICSA president Malcolm Thompson told Farming Pages that ceasing funding at this stage to farmers who have yet to complete their building work amounts to a lack of commitment to progress in Irish agriculture. " The Minister made this funding available to farmers in order that progressive farmers could develop their farms. "

The Farm Improvement Scheme was particularly important to sheep farmers as it was the vehicle for funding specialised sheep fencing and sheep handling facilities , both of which are key elements of the National Sheep Strategy Group , s plan.

Many farmers are still in the process of completing works under the Farm Improvement Scheme Farm Improvement Scheme and had planned to complete the redevelopment of their farms using the Farm Improvement Scheme. The premature closing of the scheme did not give these farmers enough time to finish up the Farm Improvement Scheme and move on to the Farm Improvement Scheme.

It is now clear that inadequate financial provision has been made for the FIS as less than 10 , 000 farmers will benefit as a result of this decision. ICSA is demanding that Minister Coughlan seeks extra funding to put in place a scheme that will last throughout the 2007 - 2013 period.

For further information please phone :
Malcolm Thompson , ICSA President , on 087 2664674

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