Martin Heydon

To discuss the INHFA key policy priorities necessary to sustain the future of the farming community.

Influence government so changes to TB eradication are equitable and do not impose excessive burdens on struggling farmers.

Outline the priorities of ICOS and the co-operative sector in advance of Budget 2026.

To highlight that the area devoted to tillage declined by 16% between 2012 and 2020. The area devoted to cereal production has declined consecutively since 2012 with the exception of 2022 when an increase was recorded. However, a 7% decrease in the cereal area was subsequently…

To highlight that poultry is now heading towards 50% of all meat consumed in Ireland, driven by its quality, affordability, nutritional value, and low environmental impact. It represents a cornerstone of food security and rural employment.::To welcome the opportunity to meet…

To propose the progression of both a centralised horse registration database and a licensed horse slaughter facility, as outlined in the recent Wall Report on Equine Welfare and Management.::To highlight that the Report advocates for the establishment of a dedicated slaughter…

To highlight in relation to the proposed implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on imports of Nitrogen Fertiliser from outside of the EU from January 1st 2026 and the associated cost impact for farmers. While we appreciate that CBAM was included in the…

• Dedicated income supports, based on area-based payments, should be retained and distributed, together with a new ‘Farm Activity Support Scheme', only to genuine active farmers engaged in food and agricultural production.::• All genuine active farmers should get at least 70% of…

• Pillar II must be retained within the traditional CAP structure, and used, together with maximum permissible levels of national co-financing to provide vital supports (of lesser number but at increased payment rates to retain overall payment amounts) to farmers in the more…

• With the possibility of increased orientation toward performance-based payments in the next CAP, below are some lessons from the current CAP for consideration::• Simplify performance-based payments. Alleviate the burden of proof/verification required to receive payments by…

To propose::• Introduction of a min 50% capital grant for development of farmer owned farm scale biogas plants – financed through Infrastructure and Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF) and or/feed in tariff::• Immediate introduction of Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO)::• Introduction…

To propose that, to encourage farmers to grow protein crops such as peas, beans, lupins and combi-crops, rates up to €600/ha for beans/ peas/lupins should be offered, 50% for combi-crops.

To highlight that this scheme was introduced to promote environmentally sustainable farming methods and significantly reduce nitrogen fertiliser while maintaining forage yields. It has proven particularly popular among farmers.::To propose that this scheme should be extended,…

Direct Supports for Farmers::To propose that Government remove the ceilings in the On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme to provide all farmers with the opportunity to receive the market value of animals removed from their farms as TB reactors. The inclusion of this arbitrary ceiling…

Tillage Support Payment::To propose that a support payment of €250/ha must be announced in Budget 2026 for all cereal and oilseed rape crops grown for harvest in 2025.::Tillage Expansion and Sustainability Scheme (TESS)::To propose that the TESS Scheme is to incorporate €400/ha…