Brian Cowen

Intent: To highlight how the proposed increases in the non-domestic water tariffs will disproportionately impact the most vulnerable of farm families, extensive farmers on fragmented holdings with multiple water connections.::To highlight that the latest Teagasc Farm Survey , which was published on the 23rd July, shows that farm incomes have declined further in 2023, with the average farm income now less than €20,000, a drop of 20% from 2022. While the average income of drystock farmers (those most impacted by the increased tariffs) was on average €7,500 with suckler farmer incomes now the lowest on record.::To highlight that the reduction in farm incomes means that only 28% of farms in 2023 are viable, a sharp decline from 2022 when 43% of farms were viable. The financial viability is even more stark for extensive farming systems with only 11% of cattle rearing farms viable.::To emphasise that one of the guiding principles of the tariff framework is that tariffs should be equitable and not un

Details: Non-Domestic Water Tariff

Intent: To highlight that the decision by the European Commission to propose a reduction in the Promotion Budget and the 2025 Annual Work Programme sends a negative signal to farmers regarding the promotion of EU agricultural food products.::To strongly support the restoration of the budget in full. It is very discouraging for farmer producers to see the negative message surrounding the EU agri food sector that is being generated with such a proposal in cuts to promotional funding.::To seek support for a strong EU promotion policy with adequate investment and a restoration of the proposed cuts to the 2025 Annual Work Programme.::To propose an amendment to the European Commissions Budget 2025 proposal

Details: EU Promotion Budget for Animal Products 2025

Intent: To highlight how the proposed increases in the non-domestic water tariffs will disproportionately impact the most vulnerable of farm families, extensive farmers on fragmented holdings with multiple water connections.::To highlight that the latest Teagasc Farm Survey, which was published on the 23rd July, shows that farm incomes have declined further in 2023, with the average farm income now less than €20,000, a drop of 20% from 2022. While the average income of drystock farmers (those most impacted by the increased tariffs) was on average €7,500 with suckler farmer incomes now the lowest on record.::To highlight that the reduction in farm incomes means that only 28% of farms in 2023 are viable, a sharp decline from 2022 when 43% of farms were viable. The financial viability is even more stark for extensive farming systems with only 11% of cattle rearing farms viable.::To emphasise that one of the guiding principles of the tariff framework is that tariffs should be equitable and not und

Details: Increase in Non-Domestic Water Tariff