Martin Heydon

Irish Rural Link's Asks for Budget 2026 will be considered and reflected in changes in Budget 2026

Protect low-income sectors: Ensure drystock and tillage farmers are not disadvantaged by policies aimed at other areas

Promote balanced renewal: Encourage young farmers while ensuring older farmers are not left behind, creating generational continuity.

Block Mercosur trade deal in its current format: Push government to resist ratification and protect Irish beef from unfair competition.

To set out ICMSA's position on the Department's TB proposals.

To discuss the INHFA budget submission proposals that are necessary to sustain the future of the farming community.

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…