Fewer farmers in the Republic of Ireland are claiming Farm Assist, according to the latest figures from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. There was a 13% drop in the number of claims in 2013 compared to 2012, with over 10,303 farmers receiving assistance. Around €100 million was spent on the scheme in 2013.
The reduction in claims can be attributed to increased numbers of agri-food exports. €10 billion was exported last year; a 9% increase on 2012’s exports.
Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, stressed the importance of the sector to Ireland’s economy: “The sector accounts for around 9% of total employment, and makes a particularly significant contribution to employment in rural areas. Capital investment in agriculture has risen 79% in the last 3 years, with investment in farm buildings increasing by 58% to €460 million in 2013 alone.”