Concerns have been raised that an increasing amount of land in Clare is being sold in order to settle drug debts.
A new report has found that cocaine use among younger farmers is also becoming increasingly more prevalent.
Research from The Irish Farmers Journal found that approximately three in ten young farmers in the Midwest reported using cocaine.
The Mid Western Region Drugs and Alcohol Forum says it has become increasingly concerned about reports of drug use within the agriculture sector.
Forum Chair and retired farmer Jim Finn, says it’s putting farmers livelihoods at risk.
Claims have also been made that drug use and mental health problems are becoming increasingly prevalent across rural Ireland, beyond the agricultural sector.
Concerns have also emerged that money from the drug trade is being used to purchase farming equipment.
Clare IFA Farm Family Chair, Caroline Lynch, says the issue has escalated since the Covid lockdown.
Calls have been made for mandatory drug testing on farms in an effort to prevent people operating agricultural machinery while under the influence.
An Agriland survey found 57% of farmers had not encountered a Garda Checkpoint in the previous two years.
Former ICSA General Secretary, Cratloe farmer Eddie Punch, says not enough is being done by Gardai to tackle the issue.
You can listen to the full interview here:
