This article is from page 38 of the 2008-10-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 38 JPG
YOUNG Clare farmers will have plenty to talk about as they make their way to the Macra National Ral- ly which takes place in Galway this weekend.
Last week, chairman of Macra na Feirme’s Agricultural Affairs com- mittee, Eddie O’Donnell described the decision to suspend the Young Farmer Installation Aid scheme as a move “beyond belief” for young Veto ne
“Suspending a scheme that is 42 per cent EU co-funded and agreed under Social Partnership to run from 2007 to 2013 at a total budget of 68 million is totally contrary to the Government’s policy of supporting
young farmers starting out in agri- culture,” he said.
“The Government is supporting Start up business in this budget with tax breaks, yet the Government is taking away supports for start up businesses in the one industry that is the backbone of the rural economy.”
According to O’Donnell there are many young farmers who are in the process of taking over farms or start- ing up in their own right and were making preparations to apply to the No slot alen
Meanwhile, National President, Catherine Buckley, welcomed the re- newal of Stamp Duty and Stock Re- lief in last weeks budget which she said will continue to be of benefit to young farmers.
“The extension of Stamp Duty re- lief up to 2013 is a crucial incentive in encouraging the early transfer of land to committed and progressive young trained farmers,’ she said.
‘The exemption is worth nearly 20 million per annum to young farmers and will be worth million over the lifetime of the renewal.”
Young Clare farmers will travel in force to the Macra na Feirme annual conference, or ‘Rally’ as it 1s more fondly known, which takes place in Salthill this weekend.
The conference will be officially launched by Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith, on Friday evening while a major highlight will be the Bord Bia Beef and Sheep Stock judg- ing Finals, which are being held in
Mountbellew Agriculture College.
Mid Clare Macra club will rep- resent County Clare in The Farm- ers Journal Know Your Agriculture Quiz Final, followed by a black and white theme night.
A host of activities will take place all weekend with a number of Clare clubs taking part.
Brendan Collins from The Bur- ren Macra club is in the final 12 for the Best New Member Competition while Mid Clare Macra Club will represent County Clare in The Na- tional Finals of Ladies and Gents Football which will be held on Sun- day in NUI, Galway.
For more information on Clare Macra, please contact Rose on 086 3169785. www.macra.ie