Irish MEP tells EU Parliament farmers need 'immediate support'
An Irish MEP has told his colleagues in the European Parliament that there is an "urgent need for clear and immediate support for farmers" amid a number of challenges in the sector.
Ireland Midlands--North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly was speaking at a meeting of the parliament's agriculture committee this week, which marked the first stage in a broader debate on agriculture within the EU, as outlined by the recent Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU agriculture.
Mullooly said: "The strategic dialogue is the future of EU and Irish agriculture. Family farm income is at the forefront of the strategy.
"The [dialogue] envisions a future for European agriculture that is economically profitable, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible. It emphasises that the success of [farming] hinges on ensuring farmers receiving a fair income."
"The report outlines guiding principles and recommendations to strengthen farmers' position in the food value chain, enhance sustainable farming practices, and prepare a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) fit for purpose," Mullooly added.
The MEP told his fellow members of the committee: "The agriculture and food sector are responsible for the jobs of over 17 million people... Farmers are the weakest link the food chain, They are the price takers, not the price makers."
Mullooly said the issue of farmers being forced to sell products below cost of production was "critical".
"[Can] this dialogue or the policies which may emanate from it can deliver the freedom to farm and for farmers to achieve a fair standard of living."
He also called into question policies that could see European farmers being undercut by producers in non-EU countries with lower standards.
On the environment and sustainability, the Independent Ireland MEP said that farmers are "crucial environmental practitioners".
He called for recommendations to be put in place for "real and meaningful assistance" to help farmers protect the environment and address climate change.
The meeting also heard that a new budget is required to address environmental and climate change measures imposed on farmers.
"There is consensus that maintaining agricultural production security in Europe necessitates a significant increase in both general and CAP budgets post-2027. Currently, member states contribute only 0.4% of their GDP (gross domestic product), a figure seen as insufficient given agriculture's importance for food security," Mullooly said.
"The days of using the CAP budget to achieve environmental targets and climate change targets on the cheap is simply not feasible anymore," the MEP said.
He went on to say that EU farmers are facing increasing pressure from a proposed trade agreement with the South American trading bloc Mercosur, where environmental practices and food quality standards do not match the standards EU farmers are expected to work to.
