The National Council of the IFA has also condemned what it described as the 'total failure' of the Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh, to defend farmers in the Budget. However, tonight Mr Walsh replied that incomes had risen by 39% in the previous two years.
Earlier this month, official figures estimated that the income of farmers dropped by 8.5% during the year. However, the IFA believes farmers' living standards have been cut by 13% when inflation is accounted for.
This afternoon, the National Council of the IFA passed a unanimous motion condemning the Minister for Agriculture for failing to defend farmers during preparations for the Book of Estimates and the Budget. Council members from all parts of the country then took part in a demonstration outside the Dáil because of a move in the House to double the animal health levies paid by farmers to €20m per year.
The IFA leader, John Dillon, said Minister Walsh's bland acceptance of an 8.5% cut in farm incomes this year was deplorable, and he said farmers are rapidly losing confidence in the Minister's commitment to his portfolio.
Mr Dillon said Mr Walsh's total indifference towards the mounting problems in Irish agriculture is alienating farmers and driving them to fight for their incomes. Farmers are now expected to mount major demonstrations early in the New Year.
