AGRI PACKAGE TO BOOST FARMING IN ROSCOMMON

Issued : Wednesday 15 January, 2014

Labour SenatorJohn Kelly has said that Roscommon is set to benefit from a major new investment package announced for the agriculture industry this week.

A total of €1.9 billion has been added to the Government's seven-year plan to boost rural development and aid recovery in rural communities.

“This further investment of €1.9 billion is hugely significant and it is aimed at boosting the farming sector by creating jobs and encouraging investment in counties like  Roscommon. It brings the total planned spend for the sector to 2020 to €12.5 billion.

“In particular, I welcome new grant schemes for artisan producers and young farmers, two areas that are critical to the continued growth of the farming industry.

"The investment will also fund a number of other supports aimed at getting the younger generation into the sector, such as a 25% top-up on direct payments.“The new scheme for artisan producers is designed to help producers improve production their quality and boost marketing, in a bid to grow the local food and drink industry, which is increasingly becoming a key driver of local economic activity.

"Support for farmers in disadvantaged areas is also to be maintained, while a package of incentives to encourage on-farm investment, and an organic farming scheme,are also provided for within the plan.

“An investment of this scale at a time of limited resources highlights the extent to which the Government is determined to support and develop rural communities,recognising that recovery must be felt in homes and businesses in rural communities across the country."