Agri-Food Exports Up

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) president, Gabriel Gilmartin, has welcomed the publication of figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) which indicate that Irish agri-food exports have risen 14 per cent in the first eight months of 2011 compared with the same period in 2010. According to the ICSA, these figures reiterate the need for the Government to continue to support agriculture.

“The figures released by the CSO simply underpins the message that Irish agriculture can play a major role in economic recovery provided that the Government does not undermine it with damaging cuts in the forthcoming budget,” said Mr Gilmartin.

“An increase of over 14 per cent in the first 8 months of 2011 compared with the same period for last year shows the importance of the agriculture sector.

“Every attempt should be made by the Irish Government to ensure the long term profitably and viability of farming by guaranteeing the security of vital and necessary farm schemes,” he said..