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Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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‘A halt to this re-wetting nonsense’ – what farmers wanted in Budget 2023

Renewable energy grants and a reducing excise on diesel and marked mineral oil are among the measures that That’s Farming readers demanded in Budget 2023.

We asked our readers, by means of a social media post ahead of the government’s announcement this afternoon, to outline what support measures they felt were necessary to address current concerns and challenges.

One user told us that she wanted to see “a halt to this re-wetting nonsense”, while another called for “serious investment in AD, not just loans”, and another wanted “education on regenerative farming”.

One farmer called for “more help for the smaller farmers and a cap on large farms over 500-acres”.

One said that Ireland needs more results-based payment schemes for ecosystem services, including funding for ecological actions that farmers undertake.

They also highlighted the need for support for installing methane digesters or else purchasing silage and slurry for biogas production.

They pointed to investment in education and outreach for regenerative agriculture and agroecology and a guaranteed minimum purchase price for farmers through public procurement.

“Major” subsidies and tax incentives for establishing co-operatives and for direct-to-consumer sales were among other suggestions.

They concluded: “And, of course, no more nonsense about reducing the national herd. Instead, reward farmers who have appropriate stocking densities for their local ecosystems with a results-based payment.”

No cuts to the national herd

Another farmer wrote: “I would rate see a proper plan put in place in relation to reducing emissions in agriculture.”

“A possible added value to our milk and beef prices for farmers that are working to reduce emissions on their farm, through measures like growing clover and multi-species varieties, low emission slurry spreading etc.”

“Reward farmers who are implementing these measures and possible grants going forward to help farmers invest in technologies and machinery to help achieve a reduction in emissions.”

“I would rather see that than giving us payments for reducing our herd size,” he concluded.

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