Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin says Commission is open to fair price legislation
He said that FF has taken its proposals for fair price legislation to the EU, and found the Commission very receptive.
FF promises that it will seek to re-direct unspent funds by increasing ANC (disadvantaged) payments, and supports a top-up payment to achieve a genomics payment target of €200 on the first 20 cows.
“We will introduce a fairer and more transparent inspection system — based on the yellow card model that gives farmers a fair but firm warning on non-intentional non-compliance measures,” said Mr Martin.
“This means that failure will not instantly meet with potentially disastrous penalties but rather with a clear instruction to fix the problem before penalties are levied.”
In climate change negotiations, Mr Martin said it is essential to push for land use, land use change and forestry to be recognised.
“In particular, the high sequestration potential of Ireland’s unique grass-based agriculture production model – as well as the high potential of our forests, boglands and other habitats that absorb carbon — should be accounted for in the calculation of emissions, to compensate for our level of agricultural emissions.”
Fianna Fáil have published costed solutions to immediately improve rural life — including restoring CLÁR programme funding for infrastructure.
Mr Martin said Fianna Fáil is committed to restoring LEADER funding, which was cut 40%, and will reinstate the autonomy of LEADER companies in their rural communities, where local communities request this.
