Farmers can expect to access the new agri loans in January, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has confirmed.

The minister was speaking at the Women & Agriculture conference in Co Sligo and has encouraged farmers to apply for the new loan fund, which was announced in the recent budget. Funding of €150m will be available, at the low-interest rate of 3%.

“I am not encouraging farmers to borrow out of difficulty. I am asking farmers to look at the cashflow situation – is there a possibility of using this to substitute any other credit facility you have already?” he said.

For those confused about agri taxation, asset testing and entitlements upon retirement, he confirmed that a publication will be available to clarify such issues.

Brexit

The minister also discussed the implications of Brexit on Irish agriculture, stressing that there should not be a ministerial post to deal with the fallout.

“It affects every department,” he said. “A minister isn’t realistic – we need the structures in place for every department to work together.”

Farm safety was also addressed, with the minster urging farmers to not only inspect their own farm, but their neighbours' as well.

“Ask them to look too and be receptive to suggestions and a fresh pair of eyes,” he added. “You have to see what a farm death does to a community to appreciate the devastation it causes. I had the misfortune to witness the impact first hand. It was appalling.”

It is the first time the minister has spoken at the conference, but with six sisters, he joked that he felt at home at the event. He added that the department recently held a gender review, and is actively encouraging more women to apply to state boards.

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