Agriculture, Food & Fisheries

Respect for Farmers, Food, and the Environment

Fine Gael is dedicated to establishing a renewed partnership with farmers and the agri-food sector, placing them at the heart of decision-making processes. As the party representing farmers and rural Ireland, we recognise their vital role as producers of safe and nutritious food and as custodians of the land. We understand the importance of ensuring they receive a fair return for their hard work.

We promise to listen to the concerns of farmers and to foster an environment free from a culture of lecture and blame. Our commitment is to collaborate with the agricultural community to address challenges, promote sustainability, and ensure the future of farming and food production in Ireland.

A Fair CAP for Farmers

In the coming years, as the EU agrees on a new seven-year budget and reforms the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Fine Gael will

Fight for a fair share of the EU budget: We will fight to increase the CAP budget and advocate for new funding streams to assist farmers in meeting additional requirements..
Develop a simpler CAP post-2027: We will simplify schemes to deliver the best outcomes for farmers, consumers, and the environment and push for a “whole farm” costing approach for environmental and climate schemes.
Simplify the administrative burden on farmers: We will work to reduce red tape through flexible, farmer-friendly schemes that fairly reward actions across all sectors, with stakeholder input in the design.
Review payment redistribution measures: We will assess their impact on farm viability.
Provide access to a farm capital investment scheme: This will include updated reference costs.
Introduce a National Framework for Carbon Farming: We will guide the development of a Carbon Farming Scheme to strengthen farm incomes.
Fast-track IT capabilities in the Department of Agriculture: We will enhance systems to avoid payment delays.

Farm Succession

To attract the next generation of farmers,

Fine Gael will:

Develop a comprehensive farm succession policy: Within the first 100 days, this will include:
  • A Farm Mentor Scheme for collaborative farming between young and older farmers.
  • A revamped Farm Succession Partnership tax credit with updated support and eligibility criteria.
  • Increased supports under the Succession Planning Advice Grant to encourage succession planning.
  • Exploration of financing options for young farmers, including targeted installation aid or low-interest loans.
  • Retain key agricultural tax reliefs: This will ensure farms can be passed on viably and provide certainty for succession planning.
  • Significantly raise the tax-free threshold for Capital Acquisitions Tax: This will support farm transfers.
  • Invest in agricultural colleges and facilities: We will ensure Ireland remains a leader in agricultural education.

Planning for the Future

Fine Gael will:

Review and update the 10-year agri-food strategy, Food Vision: This review will consider all challenges and opportunities facing the sector and will be done in partnership with farmers and industry.
Fine Gael’s National Agricultural, Food, and Rural Development Forum (NAFRD), Chairman Eddie Downey, An Taoiseach Simon Harris and Martin Heydon, Minister of State at Dept of Agriculture, Food & Marine pictured on Philip and Helen Harris farm in Irishtown, Clane, Co. Kildare.

Retaining the Nitrates Derogation

Fine Gael is committed to the economic viability of Ireland’s grass-based production model and retaining Ireland’s nitrates derogation.

Fine Gael will:

Work to retain the nitrates derogation post-2025: We will work with state agencies, local authorities, and industry to develop practical solutions that benefit farmers.
Establish a Cabinet Committee on Water Quality: Chaired by Simon Harris, this committee will coordinate water quality improvements across all sectors.
Increase collaboration on water testing: We will enhance partnerships between farmers, the EPA, and Teagasc to safeguard water quality.
Work with European colleagues: We will advocate for Ireland’s unique circumstances through the European People’s Party.
Support existing water quality improvement measures: We will continue to invest in initiatives alongside farmers.

Protecting Farmers at Home and Abroad

Fine Gael will:

Strengthen the powers of the independent Agri-Food Regulator: An Rialálaí Agraibhia will ensure fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply chain.
Pursue new market opportunities: We will continue to seek domestic and international opportunities for the agri-food industry.
Support beneficial Free Trade Agreements: We will ensure free trade agreements serve Irish farmers. The Mercosur Trade Deal as currently drafted is not acceptable.
Protect live export markets: We will commit to the highest animal welfare standards in these markets.
Promote the Protected Geographical Indicator for Irish beef: We will develop new PGI brands to enhance the value of Irish food exports.

Supporting a Diverse Agriculture Sector

Fine Gael prioritises sustainable farm incomes across all sectors.

We will:

Sucklers and Beef

Supports for suckler and beef farmers: We will ensure straight forward measures to support suckler farmers with a payment of €300 per cow. We will support dairy-beef systems through the implementation of the Dairy Calf to Beef action plan and a €100 per calf support.

Sheep

Support the sheep sector: We will implement practical actions for upland and lowland flocks with support of €30/ewe. We will also explore the feasibility of a scouring plant for wool to assist in the development of an Irish wool brand.

Dairy

Review TAMS investment items: We will ensure access to technology focused on animal welfare, labour efficiency, and environmental protection.

Pigs and Poultry

Target greater market access: We will support capital investments in pig and poultry farms to enhance animal health and welfare.

Horticulture

Address sector challenges: We will tackle issues around labour availability and capital investment.

Organics

Develop markets for organic products: We will support farmers in achieving better market returns while maintaining the Organic Farming Scheme.

Tillage

Greater certainty for tillage farmers: We will provide €60m a year in support to the tillage sector through permanent measures.
Explore processing facilities for Irish crops: We will investigate opportunities for oilseed and milling wheat processing.

Women in Agriculture

Fine Gael will ensure the full implementation of the National Women in Agriculture Action Plan to enhance gender equality and increase the visibility of women in the agri-food sector.

Income Volatility Scheme

Fine Gael will advance the introduction of a farm income volatility scheme to help protect farmers from market fluctuations.

Renewable Energy in the Agricultural Sector

Fine Gael will:

Pursue policies for renewable energy: We will focus on additional income streams for farmers through community-led ownership models.
Provide financial incentives for the National Biomethane Strategy: We aim to produce up to 5.7 Tera Watt Hour (TWh) of biomethane by 2030.
Encourage Solar Adoption on Farms: Maintain the 60% grant aid through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme to help farmers install solar PV systems, supporting renewable energy on farms.
Develop national planning guidelines for solar farms: We will assist in the managed development of solar energy in agriculture.

Veterinary and Farm Contracting Services

Fine Gael has established two new veterinary schools to enhance veterinary education.

We will:

Seek to establish another veterinary college: A feasibility study will assess the need for a new college in the Mid-West/South West.
Ensure a sufficient number of trained veterinary professionals: We will work with veterinary bodies to meet the demands of rural and large animal practices.
Establish a farm contracting working group: This group will explore support, training, and taxation measures.

National TB Eradication Strategy

Fine Gael will:

Review the National TB 2030 Eradication Strategy: We will collaborate with farmers and industry to devise a new shared path forward.
Ensure appropriate staffing of the Wildlife Control Programme: We will fully resource the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group action plan and regional veterinary offices.

Animal Welfare

Fine Gael acknowledges the high standards of care that farmers provide for animals.

We will:

Introduce tougher sanctions for animal welfare breaches: Well-resourced inspection teams will enforce these sanctions to protect animal welfare.
Improve the horse traceability system: Reforms will enhance the tracking and welfare of horses.

Environment and Nature

Fine Gael will work with farmers to improve environmental outcomes:

Resolve challenges in the ACRES scheme: We will ensure that the €1.5 billion agri-environmental scheme benefits both farmers and the environment.
Support farmers in reducing emissions: Recognising the special economic and social role of agriculture and the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane, support the progress made to date by agriculture in reducing emissions.
Develop Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan: We will prioritise restoration actions on State lands and consult with farmers on voluntary measures..
Support agriculture on High Nature Value lands: We will ensure farming remains a viable activity in these areas.
Provide practical supports for farmers: We will allocate funds from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to agriculture.

Farm Safety

Fine Gael will:

Increase supports for farmer health and safety: We will prioritise initiatives that enhance safety.
Address farmer mental well-being: Recognising the unique challenges in the agriculture sector, we will provide targeted support.

Equine Industries and Greyhound Racing

Fine Gael will:

Support the Horse and Greyhound fund: This support will maximise the potential of these sectors and contribute to economic and social development.
Ensure high standards of integrity and welfare: We will promote a culture of zero tolerance in animal safety and care.
Improve breeding and marketing of Irish sport horses: We will enhance supports in this area.

Innovation in Agriculture, Food, and the Marine

Fine Gael will:

Ensure integration between agtech and food tech sectors: We will collaborate with Irish research and innovation agencies to drive advancements.
Explore the One Health initiative: We will deepen efforts around antimicrobial resistance.

Forestry

Fine Gael is committed to making Ireland a leader in forestry, recognising its positive environmental impact and the diverse uses of timber. We will support existing landowners in the sector and encourage more landowners to consider forestry as a viable option, offering both personal and societal benefits. Our aim is to provide a better mix of incentives and regulatory certainty to achieve our ambitious forestry plans.

Fine Gael will:

Reverse the decline in planting: We will ensure an efficient licensing system and rollout farmer-focused supports as part of Ireland’s Forestry Programme.
Recognise upfront planting costs: We will acknowledge the initial investment required for planting and the time it takes to see a return on that investment.
Encourage a diverse mix of planting: We will promote the inclusion of native Irish species alongside more commercially viable crops.
Collaborate with sector stakeholders: We will work with stakeholders to address challenges and remove roadblocks within the forestry programme.
Ensure funding for Ash Dieback: We will secure sufficient funding to combat the impact of Ash Dieback on our forests.

Fisheries and the Marine

Fine Gael recognises the critical importance of the fisheries sector for the 16,500 people in our coastal communities and the businesses dependent on this industry. It is imperative that we adopt an assertive stance to protect our waters and this vital sector.

Fine Gael will:

Establish a dedicated Minister of State for Fisheries
Publish a five-year Fisheries Sector strategy: Within 100 days of the new government taking office, we will release a dedicated strategy that includes a thorough examination of the processing sector.
Sustainably develop the fisheries sector: We will ensure that fish stocks are protected, allowing future generations to continue their family traditions of earning a livelihood from the sea.
Conduct a review of tax allowances: We will work with the Revenue Commissioners and key stakeholders to assess tax allowances for the fishing sector, ensuring our tax system supports its continued development.
Improve communication and engagement: We will enhance dialogue between fishers, State agencies, the Department, and Brussels to foster better collaboration.
Examine fleet adjustment measures: We will consider the need for new measures in response to changing scientific advice regarding fish stocks.
Activate the Seafood/Offshore Renewable Energy Working Group: We will ensure this group provides regular opportunities for input and communication between the Government, its agencies, and fishers, balancing the needs of both sectors.
Review the Common Fisheries Policy: We will advocate for a review that best serves the interests of Irish fishers.
Advance the interests of the Irish Fisheries sector: We will work to ensure these interests are prioritised ahead of the 2026 review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and in discussions on third-country access agreements.
Support the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund: We will advocate for a strong fund to support our fisheries and marine industries.

These initiatives aim to strengthen the fisheries sector, ensuring its sustainability and prosperity for future generations.