The new Chair of the Clare IFA branch fears a whole generation could be discouraged from farming if farmers maintaining protected ecological sites are not adequately compensated for their work.
New figures from the Department of Agriculture show Clare has the 6th highest total of livestock herds on designated natura sites in the country, with 1,935 in total.
Farmers with natura sites can only engage in non-intensive operations and have to gain special permission to spread fertiliser, remove trees and erect fencing.
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Clare Irish Farmers Association Chair and Feakle native Stephen Walsh says the government must ensure equity of income.
You can listen to the full interview below.
