New figures have revealed that Clare has the highest number of low-income farmers in the Midwest.
Almost 250 farmers across the Banner County are currently on the Farm Assist scheme, which is aimed those who are struggling to makes ends meet from their existing sources of income.
According to Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty, some 248 farmers in Clare are currently receiving a Farm Assist payment.
They’re among just shy of 6,000 nationally, meaning Clare accounts for 4% of low income farmers in the country.
When compared to neighbouring counties, though, Clare is well ahead.
In Limerick, just 105 farmers are on the scheme, while Tipperary has 208 on it.
The Farm Assist payment sees weekly allowance of up to €203 paid out to farmers who are struggling to make ends meet with their existing income from farming, or from other resources too.
