IFA President Joe Healy said Minister Creed must move on low-cost loans to help address fodder deficit and resulting income crises for farmers.
Speaking at a visit to Denis Gallagher’s farm in Carrigdownane, Kildorrery on Monday, Mr Healy said that ‘farmers need money’ and that the loans must be for working capital, and not just capital investment.
TIME TO WALK THE WALK
Mr Healy said that farmers need help to buy fodder and clear bills and they need it now.
“The banks are talking a great talk but not walking the walk,” he said. “I would remind them that no sector has a better rate of repayments than farmers.”
Mr Healy also stressed the importance of budgeting, and encouraged farmers to ‘look out for each other’ at such a stressful time.
“It’s important to look at the different lending opportunities. It’s been a very stressful and difficult period and it’s very important that we are not too hard on ourselves. Stress can have a detrimental effect and it’s important to watch out for farmers who are vulnerable and in a bad place,” he concluded.
