Sir, - Mr Lattimore in his article on pensions (January 22nd) clearly showed his lack of knowledge and understanding of farming and land inheritance. He stated that "many farmers have little or no need of pensions", he believed that the asset was adequate or that the next generation would and implied could maintain the retired farmer.
I wish to set the record straight on this. Mr Lattimore land gives an income only to those who work it. Irish holding size no longer generates an income for two families. The urban idea that land - an asset - is income bewilders those of us who farm medium to small holdings; these must be handed on without conditions, so to give a viable income to the young.
This leaves two options to the retiring farmer - either settle for the state contributory pension, or pay into a private pension scheme, which gives greater independence. My advice as the wife of a farmer and mother, of hope fully, a farmer of the future is get the pension organised (as Mr Lattimore suggests in his article, but forgive me, this advice is for those with PAYE incomes) as young as possible, and avoid the agony of uncertainty and poverty for two generations of farmers.
I for one, like my urban counterparts, look forward to an independent old age due to forward planning, and not off the back of a struggling young farmer. - Yours etc.,
Castletownroche, Co. Cork.