Re-negotiation of CAP could see farmers in Carlow, Kilkenny and across the country get paid leave

Paid leave could soon be on the cards for Irish farmers.

The next re-negotiation of the Common Agricultural Policy may include a special fund which would cover farmers financially if they need time off for holidays, maternity or bereavement leave and for attending training course.

At present the average dairy farmer takes an average of just 19 days off a year, including weekends.

Kilkenny man Denis Drennan is President of the ICMSA and believes it will not only help today’s farmers, but will help to attract new ones to the sector.