IFA invites EU election candidates to discussions on framing farm policy

POLICIES that must be promoted at European Union level to protect the incomes of farm families will be identified by the Irish Farmers Association at a series of public meetings next week.

All candidates seeking election to the European Parliament have been invited to attend.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said it will discuss the key policy issues it has outlined in a manifesto.

“Farmers and their families will make their judgement on polling day based on the responses we get from the candidates and the political parties.”

Mr Walshe said the EU must secure much tighter limits on beef imports in the world trade talks as part of a more effective sensitive product status, which will protect Ireland’s livestock industry ahead of any further negotiations.

He said price and market supports are necessary to stabilise the dairy sector.

“In the wider context, family farming must be protected by creating a floor under commodity markets and maintaining prices at sustainable levels,” Mr Walshe said

He said the Government must deliver immediately on its commitment to sheep farmers that €29 million in unused CAP single payment funds will be allocated to the sector.

The IFA leader said the annual cost of the CAP is equivalent to less than €100 for each European citizen and is a real value return to EU taxpayers.

Mr Walshe said Ireland must continue to have an equitable basis for the distribution of the single farm payment and reject any move to an average area-based payment. The Government must secure EU approval to introduce effective country-of-origin labelling for pig meat, poultry meat, sheep meat and aquaculture products.

Next week’s meetings will be held on Monday at the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare, (Ireland East); Wednesday at Springfort Hotel, Mallow, Co Cork, (Ireland South); and on Thursday at McWilliam Hotel, Claremorris, Co Mayo, (Ireland North West).