Michael Lowry

1) Provided an update on improvements in HSI horse passporting and registration since 2024. ::2) Highlighted Prof Wall report, horse welfare issues and need for action. ::3) Outlined success of National Breeding Services. ::4) Highlighted high performance programme - successes…

To highlight that restoring the overall competitiveness of the agri-food sector must be a central component of the next Government's term. Ireland's dominance in external agri-food trade relative to our size is a testament to the hard work, dedication and quality of produce from…

To outline the key priorities of ICOS and our member co-operatives to the parties involved in the development of a new Programme for Government.

To get Local Authorities to participate in a pilot scheme as proposed in IFA's Roadside Ash Dieback Removal Scheme

To highlight that there is a specific challenge in maintaining Ireland's Protected Zone status for the bacterial pest Fireblight, bark beetles and all other pests.

To seek a deferral of the splash plate ban for farmers stocked at 100kgN/ha or above which is due to come into effect in early 2025

Aim to secure €100,000 for the Macra Land Mobility Service

To set out ICMSA issues that should be considered as part of the Programme for Government and to secure meaningful measures in the Programme for Government for the agriculture sector.

That the Nitrates Derogation must be retained. There are approximately 7,000 farms in derogation across all farming enterprises in Ireland. While the derogation will have a major direct impact on their incomes, the unseen consequences of losing the derogation in rural Ireland…

To propose that the suckler herd in Ireland which is a key national resource that must be protected through meaningful direct supports.::That all trade deals, most particularly Mercosur, that provide increased access to our key EU market for beef must be rejected.::That…

To propose that the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) support a breeder focused incentive scheme for thoroughbred and sport horses through Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) respectively to support Irish grassroots equine…

That the targeted support for suckler cows must be built to a minimum of €300/cow to provide economic viability and long-term sustainability of the sector through generational renewal, maintain its positive contribution to our climate target ambitions and drive of the socio…

That a multiannual scheme for farmers is needed, with a payment of €100 per calf for the rearing phase of these animals.

That Government must return the Wildlife Control Programme primarily to a density reduction programme to reduce the prevalence of TB and provide the resources to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the programme in TB areas.

That long-standing agreements in relation to payment for TB testing must be fully honoured. This includes the legislatively required pre/post movement 30-day test requirement.