ICOS has written to the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue outlining its priorities in advance of Budget 2022 next month.

The introduction of the Climate Action Bill and associated carbon budgets represent a significant challenge to Irish agriculture.  In addition, the draft Nitrates Action Plan published by the Government, will require significant support for farmers especially slurry and soiled water storage capacity. Bearing this in mind, the key priorities identified by ICOS include the introduction of accelerated capital allowances for slurry storage and LESS equipment and a new slurry storage capital investment package.

In conjunction with the milk recording organisations, we are seeking capital investment support to assist with the scaling up of milk recording due to the new veterinary medicine regulations and broader sustainability and animal health objectives.

Finally, we are once again calling for an income stabilisation tool based on the “5-5-5” concept to protect family farms from global market volatility. 

The ICOS submission can be viewed here

Eamonn Farrell – Agri Food Policy Executive