FF points to record in Govt and has 100 action point list
Leader Bertie Ahern points to unprecedented levels of exchequer funding set aside by his government for agri-food areas when EU funding was not available.
A general aim is to see Irish farmers become an example to European colleagues in terms of quality, competitiveness and focus on the consumer.
Regional centres would showcase the agricultural sector.
Commitments are made in a number of areas which have been controversial of late — such as a promise to work towards farmers receiving 14 days’ notice of inspections, and arrange for independent verification of protein and butterfat content in milk.
Responding to recent warnings of difficulties in horticulture, €50m in grants is pledged to support a €120m modernisation.
Potato growers are promised €8m to support €20m of capital investment.
Although overseeing the phasing out of stallion earnings tax breaks, Fianna Fáil say they would continue to strongly support horse breeding. Their biofuel plans include opening up 10,000 hectares of set aside land for miscanthus and willow.
Fianna Fáil promises to promote rural countryside recreation, but leader Bertie Ahern has emphasised they are committed to working with farmers and do not believe that a privately-owned farm is a public park.
They will also prioritise recreational forestry with increased investment aid.
Institutions competing for research money would have to achieve the highest standards; an international peer review panel would be established to monitor agri-food research outcomes.
In government, Fianna Fáil says it will secure the highest achievable support for farming sector at EU and WTO levels, and promote the need for non-trade issues to be part of any trade deals.
The party would do all required to protect Irish consumers from non-EU produce that do not meet Irish standards, extending mandatory “country of origin” food labelling to sheep, pig and poultry meat.
It opposes moves to restrict live exports, and any animal welfare move to a more extreme position that would directly harm farmers.
Fianna Fáil would identify and ease access to new overseas markets for food and drink products, and increase Bord Bia funding for overseas promotion.
The party would support commercially successful full-time and part-time farmers, and says it would fully implement the Rural Development Programme so that farmers benefit.
It would introduce the On-Farm Investment Scheme, for animal housing and related facilities, including items such as rubber mats.
The Quality and Welfare Scheme, to ensure the suckler herd is maintained at its optimum level and the Farm Improvement Programme, including aid for grain storage, horse stabling and handling, would be implemented.
Other targets include 70,000 in REPS, getting 17% higher payments, including more intensive dairy farmers and substantially more biodiversity options and supplementary measures.
Grant aid is also promised for rainwater capture and storage on farms.
The Dairy Hygiene Scheme would be enhanced to include feeding systems and more expensive milking equipment and milk tanks.
Full implementation of the Sheep Industry Strategy Group is promised, including more supports for improved breeding, sheep housing and fencing.
There is a commitment to assist and expand the Quality Assurance Schemes in cereals, pigmeat and poultry.
Grant aid for investment in on-farm and off-farm equipment and facilities for production, preparation, grading, packing and storage is part of the party’s plan for organic products.
Under Fianna Fáil, a “Bio-Security Ireland” division in the Department of Agriculture and Food would be established to ensure exclusion, eradication or effective management of risks posed by diseases and pests.
Fianna Fáil would continue the supports for young farmers entering agriculture, and ensure that courses are available at night, weekends, and through e-learning to facilitate part-time farmers.
A new syllabus for Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science is also promised.
Under the forestry heading, grant aid to assist with emerging added-value products, processes and technologies, and review of the Forest Environmental Payments Scheme pilot scheme with a view to full roll out, are among the commitments.
Maintaining and developing a separate Department for Rural Development is a key feature of the party’s policy for rural communities, in which tourism, bio-energy, transport and broadband figure prominently.
The party would double funding for CLÁR Programme to tackle rural infrastructure deficits, and increasing the number of work-places in the Rural Social Scheme. It would provide a well funded rural enterprise policy, with emphasis on funding artisan and small food production.
FF says its transport policies will make rural locations more readily accessible for tourists, and rural package holidays featuring walking, angling, golfing and cycling, accommodation, and quality home cooked meals would be developed with Fáilte Ireland. The party says it would deliver policies to ensure strong island communities.
A national monitoring committee would oversee implementation of sustainable rural housing guidelines.
