Over 200 farmers and agri-businesses across Carlow and Kildare attend 'Future of Farming Event'
Lively discussion from speakers and the floor
Over 200 farmers and agri businesses across Carlow and Kildare turned out to listen to a 'Future of Farming Event' hosted by Bank of Ireland in The Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge.
Special guest speakers included former Carlow/Kilkenny TD Phil Hogan, now the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Paul Keogh, Chairman of the Centre for Family Business at Dublin City University and Sean Farrell, Bank of Ireland’s Head of Agriculture.
The event had lively discussion from speakers and the floor around areas including EU supports for Irish Agriculture, Brexit’s impact on Irish farms and succession planning on family farms.
With dry weather conditions leading to significant issues for both cereal growers and livestock farmers, the current drought was also discussed with Bank of Ireland outlining details of their Drought Support Package to assist impacted farmers.
In addition to farmers and agri businesses attending, there were also local deputies including Martin Hayden TD and Fiona O Loughlin, TD, Chief Executive of Kildare County Council, Peter Carey, Mayor of Kildare, Sean Power, Anna May McHugh, NPA, local representatives from the IFA and many others representing agriculture across Kildare, Carlow and Kilkenny.
Speaking about the event, Mr Farrell said: “Bank of Ireland was delighted to host this event and in particular to provide a platform for farmers and agri-businesses to hear from key speakers around areas that are important for future growth in the industry.
"It was fantastic to see so many attending and in particular to hear from so many around the room in relation to their own concerns and views.
"Bank of Ireland is committed to supporting agri-business growth across the country and we want to continue to support our customers and communities to thrive.
"With many farmers across Ireland continuing to suffer from an extended period of drought we understand the profound impact this is having on their businesses which is why we have announced details of a Drought Support Package to assist impacted farmers.
"Grass growth is severely impacted and even if rainfall arrives in the coming days, it will be some time before grass growth recovers to adequate levels.
"Many farmers have not endured such conditions before and we would like to reassure them that will be as supportive and flexible as we possibly can.
"Currently, the average overdraft utilisation remains at normal levels for this time of year, with less than 25% of overdraft limits typically in use by farmers.
"However it is important that we are supporting farmers who require it, with a level of flexibility which can assist with their cash flow through difficult periods.
"These conditions haven’t been experienced in decades and we would encourage farmers to come and talk to us via their local businesses manager or call us on 1890 365 222 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.”
Bank of Ireland’s Drought Support Package options include:
• Working capital available through extensions / temporary increases to overdraft
facilities
• Provision of short-term working capital loans
• Suspension of principal payments on existing loans to ease cash flow
• Support line - 1890 365 222 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday