‘Farm sector key to EU rural future’

A member of the European Parliament has warned that it is important not to alienate the farming community from rural development.

Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness, speaking at the annual general meeting of KELT (Kildare European Leader Teoranta), said she believes there is a real danger that farmers feel excluded from the process. “The success of rural development lies in ensuring that there is a vibrant, profitable farming sector,” she said.

“We cannot have one without the other. Profitable farming generates jobs and revenue in rural areas and all efforts must be maintained to ensure that farming is profitable into the future,” she added.