Fine Gael’s agricultural group presents plan for a new partnership with farmers

Fine Gael’s National Agricultural, Food, and Rural Development Forum (NAFRD) today presented An Taoiseach Simon Harris with a plan to create a new partnership with farmers for his consideration.

Since its formation, NAFRD has held a series of public meetings with farmers, rural dwellers and agri-businesses around the country. At the Fine Gael Ard Fheis, Taoiseach Harris requested that NAFRD bring forward a report detailing a plan on how action could be taken on the feedback received.

Speaking at the launch of the document on a farm in Clane, Co Kildare, NAFRD Chairman Eddie Downey said: “When I put my name forward to chair Fine Gael’s National Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Forum, I did so because I believed this party sees a future for Irish agriculture.

“Agriculture is Ireland’s oldest and most important indigenous industry; its future must never be dominated by uncertainty or indifference.

“That is why this group was formed. Over the last two years, we have travelled the countryside canvassing the views of farmers, rural dwellers and business people. The report is a summary of the main issues raised at our meetings and a set of recommendations formulated by this forum.

“I firmly believe there is a bright future for this sector. It will not be delivered by telling people what they want to hear or with business as usual. It will require listening to farmers and providing leadership in a collaborative rather than confrontational partnership.”

The report covers five main areas – the future of CAP, farm succession, a reform of land leasing, climate and environmental issues, and protecting rural life. It will be considered by Fine Gael in the formulation of future agricultural and rural policy.

An Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “I want to thank Eddie and the forum for the work they have done to produce this report, which I will consider in detail.

“They have listened to farmers across the country; to their concerns, to their ideas and put a plan in action.

“Fine Gael is the party of farmers. This party values the essential role farmers play in our economy and our society. We want to work with the farming community to address the challenges ahead and this policy charts a pathway forward.”

Fine Gael’s Minister in the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon T.D. said: “The agri-food sector employs over 170,000 people, making an enormous economic and social contribution to rural and coastal communities.

“Farmers the length and breadth of Ireland took time to come to NAFRD events and share their views on the future of agriculture and rural Ireland. Fine Gael has been listening and I want to thank the forum for putting together this report, which contains a number of significant recommendations. I look forward to reviewing them and teasing through them in the time ahead.”