National Cultivate Week returns this month
Following last year’s success, National Cultivate Week is back on April 8-14, when credit unions and their members recognise farmers and the contribution they make to their communities.
Relentless rain is causing major problems for farmers at present and there are calls for a fodder support scheme to be put in place. Consequently, many farmers are turning to Cultivate for working capital loans to get through this difficult period.
Cultivate’s 6.75% unsecured lending rate is one of the lowest rates on offer in the agri lending market at present, and any farmer who wants to find out more about how to access a Cultivate loan can go to www.northmidlandscu.ie or call 044 934 8817.
Why farmers are choosing Cultivate farming loans
- Farmers do not need to be an existing credit union member to avail of a loan
- Unsecured funding of up to €75,000 over 10 years
- Quick and easy application process
- Competitive interest rates tailored for the farming sector (6.75% APR one of the lowest rates available in the market for unsecured lending)
- Flexible repayment plans that makes sense for the farmer
- Personal service - the Credit Union will deal directly with farmer’s accountants
- Loan Protection Insurance is provided at no extra cost. If the borrower dies the loan is cleared (subject to terms and conditions, age and health restrictions).
- No penalties for early repayment.
- No transaction, administration or set up costs.
Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “Credit unions have a long and proud tradition in providing innovative and compelling financial services for their members, and none more so than the Cultivate Loan for farmers. It’s so good to see more and more farmers apply to their local credit unions when thinking of investing in their farms or buying more stock. And why wouldn’t they, given the competitive interest rates, the quick loan approval and the real personal service they get a their local branches?”
On behalf of Cultivate Credit Unions, chairperson Joe Healy said: “With almost 170 branches across the country, participating credit unions have loads of local events for National Cultivate Week. Cultivate loan applications have doubled in just two years to over €50 million last year, and we believe that growth is down to the finance options tailored to the needs of our farming members we offer.”
Live farming webinar
On Thursday April 11, Cultivate host a live virtual event which brings together a panel of experts to give viewers insights on what lies ahead for farming in 2024. The webinar ‘Cultivate Conversations: Farming in 2024’ will be livestreamed on www.cultivate-cu.ie and on Cultivate’s social media channels. Speakers include: Karina Pierce, professor of Dairy Production, UCD; Philip O’Connor, head of Farm Support IFAC; Adam Woods, deputy editor, Irish Farmers Journal; and Joe Healy, Cultivate chairman and former IFA president.