Nice had top billing at national ploughing championships
Government ministers, farm leaders and politicians on the campaign trail kept reminding them of this fact as they wooed the rural vote for the Nice Treaty in glorious Indian Summer sunshine.
Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh said a positive outcome to the referendum is in farmers' best interests and it would be totally wrong if it were used to protest against current difficulties or the recent Agenda 2000 mid-term review proposals.
"The issues involved in the referendum are far too important to be decided on the basis of the most recent difficulty," he said.
Minister Walsh said he knew that some farmers are afraid enlargement will reduce the EU budget resources available to Ireland. This was a fear that he was happy to lay to rest.
The European Council in Berlin in March 1999 set the financial framework for the EU for the period 2000 2006. Specific budgetary provision was made for the market support and structural elements of the CAP in the existing EU. These funds are ring-fenced and cannot be used for other purposes.
"I therefore want to knock on the head once and for all the idea that enlargement will reduce the funds available for Irish agriculture and rural development," he said.
Minister of State Tom Parlon said a Yes vote on Nice strengthens Ireland's hand on CAP reform. A No vote ties our hands behind our backs in Brussels.
"I do not recommend that farmers gamble on a No vote to get a better deal for CAP reform. Instead, I believe a Yes vote will increase our chances of getting the best deal for Ireland," he said.
ICSA president Charlie Reilly said it is time for a real debate on where Irish agriculture is going. Running away from the Fischler proposals will not disguise the farmer frustration of low incomes and high levels of red tape.
Elsewhere in the grounds, Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Coughlan appealed to farmers to avail of the Farm Assist scheme which helps farmers experiencing financial difficulties.
"Farm Assist is a financial support specially for farmers. It is there to be claimed by any farmer who is experiencing financial difficulties, and especially so in the light of the problems caused by the adverse weather conditions this year," the Minister said.
Plans for simplification of the Rual Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) application process were also announced by Minister Joe Walsh, who said the new arrangements should also reduce costs to applicants.
