Fine Gael Agricultural Affairs Group supports the proposed new Government

The Fine Gael Agricultural Affairs Group has given its support to the Programme for Government, after a fruitful meeting with Minister Michael Creed this week. A virtual meeting took place on Friday with Minister Michael Creed, Minister Helen McEntee and Party Chair Martin Heydon, and following a good discussion the group has decided to support the formation of the proposed Government with Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party.

Speaking after the meeting, George O’Connor, Chair of the Fine Gael Agricultural Affairs Group and party member stated:

“The Programme for Government contains many of the commitments from Fine Gael’s manifesto in the area of agriculture, and the Fine Gael Agricultural Affairs Group is happy to support the formation of the proposed Government as a result.

“The document commits the next Government to improve farm incomes and protect the family farm for future generations, with a focus on encouraging generational change and land mobility to young, educated, and trained farmers.

“Maintaining the CAP budget is a top priority for us and it is included in the Programme as a priority for the next Government. The document also prioritises a well-funded agri-environment scheme, REPS-2, which has been allocated €1.5 billion over the lifetime of the Government.

“€50 million has been allocated to the beef sector, along with a commitment to continue the work of the outgoing Fine Gael Government in opening up new markets. While of course there is commitment to maintaining the strongest possible trading relationship with the UK post Brexit; it is hugely important that the new Government recognises the importance of market diversification, and we will build on our successes in emerging and growing markets like China and Japan.

“The proposed new Food Ombudsman will enforce EU wide rules on prohibited unfair trading practices and help to ensure fairer prices for what they produce.

“The Programme for Government also recognises the crucial role played by live exports in price competition and protecting farm incomes, which is very important to us. In tandem with this there is a commitment to increasing veterinary presence to prioritise animal welfare, which was an important priority in the Fine Gael manifesto.

“There is a commitment to build upon schemes such as Areas of Natural Constraint, the Beef Data and Genomics Programme, Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (Suckler), the Knowledge Transfer Scheme and the Sheep Welfare Scheme, in a way that enhances farm incomes.

“There is also a welcome commitment in the Programme for Government to explore and develop potential opportunities for farmers from anaerobic digestion.

“Overall there is something for every sector in this Programme for Government, recognising the importance of Irish agriculture to our society and our economy. The Fine Gael Agricultural Affairs Group is happy to support it as a result, and we call on Fine Gael’s rural and farming members to support the proposed Government in the interests of Irish agriculture.”