By Renew Europe and Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher
Agriculture in Ireland, and indeed across the EU, is facing some very difficult challenges. As a sector, we need to be part of the solution if we are to maintain our system of family farming in a way that is sustainable.
As thousands of farmers, agri-business companies and the wider rural communities gather in Ratheniska for the Ploughing, it’s important that, as an economic sector, we organise ourselves in such a way that we can get the best result for our communities and our families.
Significant drops in milk prices, allied to consistently low prices for crops, and high input costs that are damaging to a farm’s bottom line are causing much concern to those taking part in, or simply attending the championships.
Add to these the challenges coming from looming policy changes at European level, such as the implementation of the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Sustainable Use of Pesticides legislation and the overall implications of the drive to lower emissions under the Green Deal, is leaving many farmers to question the viability of their farms into the future.
Sadly, many are asking themselves if it is time to sell up before the going gets even tougher.
Farming
These new policies and pieces of legislation will have a dramatic impact on our way of farming. It’s not all doom and gloom, but if they are crafted in a way that does not reflect the importance of agriculture, it will force farmers to make very tough decisions indeed.
This is the worst possible outcome for them, and for our country. While many on the green-left side of Irish and European politics arrogantly dismiss the economic importance of the agri-food sector, it is clear that from an Irish point of view, the viability and sustainability of our family farms are central to the economic prosperity of our country.
In recent weeks, our dairy sector has been left in shock by the confirmation that the nitrates derogation will end. This will cause major upheaval in the sector and significant financial challenges for farms currently in derogation.
We need to see short and long-term support from the Irish Government.
Longer term, Ireland needs to get on board with the concept of anaerobic digestion (AD) of agricultural waste, including slurry. There are thousands of AD plants across the EU. It is not new technology.
We do not need pilot projects. We need a national AD program, rolled out in conjunction with farmers, farm organisations and the co-ops, as soon as possible.
In order to future-proof Irish agriculture, a new realisation is needed among policymakers about the need to strike a balance between three often-competing objectives. First, the need to protect our planet, reduce emissions and restore our biodiversity.
Secondly, the absolute need to produce enough food to feed our citizens in Europe, and to contribute to food supply and security internationally must be respected.
Finally, protecting the sustainability and incomes of family farmers must be a central objective of the EU’s agri-food strategy. Farmers cannot be expected to change their ways of working, incur additional costs and then end up with less money with which to look after the families and invest in their futures.
Irish farmers are some of the most innovation people in our economy. They are not afraid of change. In fact, they actively embrace it.
However, top-down diktats from people who don’t understand, let alone value, our agri-food sector will not work.
National Ploughing Championships
If you have read all the way to here, I may as well tell you about what I will be doing at the National Ploughing Championships.
Over the course of the week, I will be hosting three separate lunchtime events to discuss some issues of crucial importance to Irish agriculture.
On Tuesday (September 19) at 2:00p.m, Agriculture Minister, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD will discuss the future of farming in Ireland.
On Wednesday (September 20) at 1:30p.m, Macra President Elaine Houlihan will debate how we must do more to encourage farming for the next generation.
Finally, on Thursday (September 21) at noon, Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD will outline how older farmers can and must be supported through the Fair Deal scheme.
Come visit my marque at Block 2, Row 18, Stand 301. I’d be delighted to speak with you.
