Concerns of Irish dairy and beef farmers top of agenda at Brussels meeting
The nitrates derogation, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the potential impact of tariffs were top of the agenda during a meeting in Brussels today (Thursday, March 20) which shone a spotlight on the key concerns of both Irish diary and beef farmers.
The Fianna Fáil MEP for the Midlands North-West, Barry Cowen, hosted the meeting at the European Parliament which brought various Irish MEPs and representatives from sector organisations, Dairy Industry Ireland and Meat Industry Ireland, together to discuss the "issues that matter most to Irish farmers".
According to the MEP for the Midlands North-West the future of the Irish dairy and beef sectors depends "on fair and balanced policies that recognise both environmental responsibilities and economic realities".
Cowen believes Ireland's nitrates derogation is "a critical policy for the future sustainability of Irish farming" but the nitrates derogation is currently under intense scrutiny as Ireland seeks to secure a renewal of the derogation beyond 2025.
At this time Ireland is one of only three countries who have a nitrates derogation in the European Union.
According to Cowen there is a "broad political consensus" among Irish MEPs to advocate for Irish farmers at European level particularly in relation to the nitrates derogation.
Speaking in Brussels today the MEP pointed to the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Early Insights Nitrogen Indicator report published yesterday which showed that nitrogen levels in rivers in 2024 had improved.
However, nitrogen remains too high in the south-eastern half of the country, according to the EPA.
Cowen said that the latest EPA report is a "testament to the dedication and hard work of Irish farmers in adopting more sustainable practices".
"These improvements must be properly acknowledged at EU level, particularly in the context of our application to renew the nitrates derogation.
"Farmers have demonstrated their commitment to environmental responsibility, and their efforts deserve recognition and reward, not additional burdens," the MEP added.
Meanwhile during the meeting that was also attended by Irish MEPs; Maria Walsh, Billy Kelleher, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Michael McNamara and Ciarán Mullooly, there was also a discussion on "record beef prices".
Although Cowen said this is a positive development and evidence of growing new market opportunities are welcome he believes that it is important to "remain vigilant" in order to ensure that policy decisions "reflect the reality" of the challenges that Irish farmers face.
