WEST Cork farmers made their voices heard at the IFA national lobby day in Dublin – calling for a fair deal in Budget 2026.

The West Cork county executive set out its priorities and stressed how dairy farmers in particular are under serious financial pressure.

Tadhg Healy, West Cork IFA county chairman, said: ‘West Cork farmers are under real pressure, and this Budget must deliver for them.

‘Dairy farmers in particular are facing poor prices at a time when input costs remain stubbornly high. The measures we’re calling for are not extras, they are essentials for farm families to survive.’

He stressed the importance of retaining Ireland’s current nitrates derogation and warned that without it some holdings would go to the wall.

He said: ‘Government must hold firm on retaining Ireland’s derogation. Without it, many family dairy farms will simply not be viable. Farmers are willing to play their part on water quality and climate, but they need fair treatment and proper supports.’

On tillage, beef and sheep supports, Mr Healy said: ‘The tillage sector is under severe pressure. We need a €250 per hectare survival package for next year’s harvest and a longer-term sustainability scheme. Without that, we risk losing tillage farmers who are vital to our food security.

‘The IFA is calling for €300 per suckler cow and €100 for calves from the dairy herd. These supports are essential to maintain suckler farming, which is the backbone of rural areas like West Cork.

‘Sheep farmers also need recognition. A payment of €30 per ewe, rising to €40 for hill ewes, is the minimum required to support the sector and keep family sheep farming viable.’

Mr Healy concluded: ‘Farm families in West Cork and across the country need confidence to plan ahead. This Budget is about survival for many – Government must step up for rural Ireland.’