It’s claimed Clare farmers are becoming increasingly disillusioned, with the average farm income plummeting to €22 a day.
Brexit uncertainty, the ongoing beef crisis and CAP reform are all said to be compounding the issue, with beef farmers in particular struggling to make ends meet.
In addition, latest labour market statistics show that the average farm income is 40% less than the average industrial wage, while only 5% of farmers overall are under the age of 35.
Last night saw the first debate of the IFA presidential election for farmers in Clare and the Midwest, which took place in Limerick.
One of the three farmers in the race for the top job is Cork’s John Coughlan, who has been telling Clare FM’s James Mulhall that it’s vital the Beef Taskforce gets back up and running as soon as possible, to give a glimmer of hope:
