The North Cork County Executive of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) set out its Budget 2026 priorities at the IFA National Lobby Day in Dublin last week, where local representatives from Cork were present.
Speaking after the event, Pat O’Keeffe, North Cork IFA County Chairman, said: “North Corkfarmers are under real pressure, and this Budget must deliver for them. Dairy farmers in particular are facing poor prices at a time when input costs remain stubbornly high. The measures we’re calling for are not extras – they are essentials for farm families to survive.”
He stressed the importance of retaining Ireland’s nitrates derogation: “Government must hold firm on retaining Ireland’s derogation. Without it, many family dairy farms will simply not be viable. Farmers are willing to play their part on water quality and climate, but they need fair treatment and proper supports.”
On tillage, beef and sheep supports, Mr. O’Keeffe said: “The tillage sector is under severe pressure. We need a €250 per hectare survival package for next year’s harvest and a longer-term sustainability scheme. Without that, we risk losing tillage farmers who are vital to our food security.”
“IFA is calling for €300 per suckler cow and €100 for calves from the dairy herd. These supports are essential to maintain suckler farming, which is the backbone of rural areas like North Cork.
“Sheep farmers also need recognition. A payment of €30 per ewe, rising to €40 for hill ewes, is the minimum required to support the sector and keep family sheep farming viable.”
Mr. O’Keeffe concluded: “Farm families in North Cork and across the country need confidence to plan ahead. This Budget is about survival for many – Government must step up for rural Ireland.”
