The Irish Farmers' Association has voted by a "substantial majority" to enter the national partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress.
The decision was taken following a meeting of the association's national council in Dublin this afternoon, and follows intensive negotiations over the past few weeks which have led to the drafting of a €300 million package for farmers.
Welcoming the decision, IFA President, Mr John Dillon, said that farmers remained concerned over a number of issues, including their "low income situation" and milk, beef and grain prices.
"Farmers are now looking to see rapid implementation by the Government of important partnership commitments," he said.
Details of the deal have not yet been disclosed, but it is understood to include a substantial increase in the budget for Rural Environment Protection scheme, from next January. An improved on-farm investment scheme is also included in the package.
Sustaining Progresshad initially been rejected by the agricultural sector. The document was, however, formally endorsed last month by employers, unions and a number of voluntary and community groups.
Yesterday evening the second largest farming organisation, the ICMSA, voted in favour of the deal.
