Joe Cooney

To propose that a budget of €2M should be provided to initiate a pilot Spent Mushroom Compost scheme.

To propose that the baling assistance payment must be maintained to help alleviate the cost of straw for sectors reliant on its use, including mushroom composter, carrot growers (for overwintering) and livestock farmers.

To propose that the seed potato sector receives ringfenced financial support to encourage increased production.

To propose that full income tax relief for landowners leasing land to horticultural growers for at least two consecutive years.::To propose that there is clear eligibility criteria to ensure the scheme supports active, productive use by commercial growers.

To propose that::• Funding for the Organic Farm Scheme should be increased to incentivise and further develop the land area under organic production.::• The participation payment should be maintained.::• An additional payment is required for the first 3 hectares of organic…

Broiler-Specific Flat Rate Addition VAT Rate::To propose the introduction of a poultry broiler-specific FRA VAT rate.::To propose that broiler farming should be included in the Teagasc National Farm Survey, providing data to the CSO to calculate the broiler poultry specific…

Knowledge Transfer (KT)::To propose adequate funding for the inclusion of pig and poultry sectors in the KT Programme. While the programme has delivered clear benefits across other farming sectors through peer learning, expert guidance, and structured farm planning, pig and…

To propose::• If any percentage of the farm is dedicated to forestry, it should be defined as agricultural land, and the CAT Agricultural Relief applied to the whole farm.::• Farm forestry is treated similarly to the Consanguinity and Young Trained Farmers Stamp Duty Reliefs as…

Secure support for regulatory change to rental legislation and funding to support landlords in the private rental market.

To propose::• Much improved lines of communications & engagement between key stakeholders (e.g. DAFM, ACRES CP Teams, planners) & farmers is required. There is too much ambiguity and responsibility deflection ongoing currently, with farmers left frustrated, uncertain where they…

It is hoped through this lobbying that future funding is found to finalise the project and make it operational by the first Q1 2025.