Fine Gael sets out plan to support farmers and fishers

Minister Martin Heydon today (Monday) set out Fine Gael’s plan to support farmers and fishers as the backbone of rural and coastal economies.

For agriculture, Fine Gael will prioritise a simplified package of supports that reduce the burden of red tape and recognises the vital contribution farmers make.

Minister Heydon said:

“As the party of farmers and rural Ireland, Fine Gael recognise their vital role as producers of safe and nutritious food, as custodians of the land and the backbone of this economy. We understand the importance of ensuring they receive a fair return for their hard work.

“In the lifetime of the next Government, the EU will agree a new seven-year budget and reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Fine Gael will fight for a fair share of the EU budget for farmers, one which delivers an increase to the CAP budget and new funding streams for any additional new asks.

“The next CAP must deliver real simplification for farmers. The current system is too rigid, and we will push for a ‘whole-of-farm’ approach to ensure we can fairly reward farmers for their efforts through flexible, farmer-friendly schemes.

“To support the next generation of farmers, Fine Gael will introduce a comprehensive farm succession policy within the first 100 days. This will focus on how to support older and younger farmers. We will retain important agricultural reliefs in addition to revamping existing supports.”

“The nitrates derogation is a national asset, and Fine Gael is committed to retaining it. We will establish a Cabinet Committee on Water Quality, chaired by Simon Harris, to drive water quality improvements across all sectors.”

“Fine Gael will strengthen the powers of the independent Agri-Food Regulator, An Rialálaí Agraibhia to ensure it has the necessary tools to improve the fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply chain.

“Suckler, beef and sheep farms generate economic activity in parishes all across Ireland. We will increase the supports available to these farms to €300/cow, €30/ewe and €100/dairy calf. These schemes must work for farmers too, and Fine Gael is committed to addressing the bureaucracy that is turning them off applying for supports.

“We will provide greater certainty for tillage farmers with €60m a year in support to the sector through permanent measures. To address the challenge of market fluctuations, Fine Gael will advance the introduction of a farm income volatility scheme.

“Fine Gael recognises the critical importance of the fisheries sector for the 16,500 people in Ireland’s coastal communities and the businesses dependent on this industry. We will adopt an assertive stance to protect our waters and this vital sector.

“Fine Gael will establish a dedicated Minister of State for Fisheries to ensure the sector has appropriate representation and publish a five-year fisheries sector strategy within 100 days of the new government taking office.”