O’Malley: Farmers must get fairer share of price

CLAWING back of the farmer’s share of the retail price, which has been eroded over the years, is central in the electoral campaign of Co Louth farmer Raymond O’Malley.

“I will launch a crusade to Brussels to lift the consumer blindfold, and expose the truth about the price and quality of food in Irish and EU shops”, declares the Ardee man, who aims to deliver 40% of the consumer price to the farmer, which would represent an increase of one third on current produce prices.

The Regional Vice-President of IFA says, “As farmers, we must fight for the right to a minimum price for our produce in the same way as other sectors have legislative rights to a minimum price for their labour. On average, farmers currently receive less than 30% of the consumer price.” He blames “the abuse of primary producers by the multinationals.” O’Malley also wants the cost of inputs tackled and anomalies eliminated. “It does not make sense that my daughter who farms in the US can purchase a routine veterinary treatment for the equivalent of €0.91, while the same treatment in this country will cost me €8.50.”