Universal Basic Income would benefit small farmers

In a letter to the editor of the Irish Times (21 April 2026), BII Joint Coordinator Bobby Lambert argues that a Universal Basic Income would be good for vegetable growers.

Sir, – In his article on food security, Mick Kelly calls for a universal basic income for vegetable growers. We have seen the positive impact of a basic income for the arts, partial and imperfect as it is.

Similarly, it is not difficult to see how a universal and unconditional basic income would benefit small growers and, through this, our wider society. We can look back on the benefits to society of the Children’s Allowance, introduced in 1944, much more parlous times.

Basic Income Ireland has shown how a such a basic income can be implemented now, for every individual in the State, in a manner that is fiscally neutral. Under this model, six out of seven people would benefit financially, with those on lower income benefiting most. All of us would benefit from the security provided and the creativity and entrepreneurship that would be unleashed.

We believe this would be an excellent investment in our people in these uncertain times, including rapid changes in technology. We call for the immediate introduction of a universal and unconditional basic income: a beautiful idea whose time has come. – Yours, etc,

BOBBY LAMBERT,

Joint co-ordinator,

Basic Income Ireland.