Government must deliver on agriculture commitments

The new Government must deliver on commitments made to agriculture.

That was the view expressed by ICSA President Sean McNamara, in the wake of the publication of the Programme for Government.

Mr McNamara welcomed the progress made in discussions to form the new Government and he also welcomed the publication of the Programme for Government itself.

The programme contains several key commitments for agriculture and while welcoming that aspect of the document, Ms McNamara commented that while such commitments are important, such commitments remain only promises until they are fully delivered.

In a statement to Waterford News & Star on the matter, Mr McNamara said some of the commitments in the Programme for Government were encouraging.

"For cattle and sheep farmers, the commitments to increasing financial supports and reducing administrative burdens are encouraging," he said.

However, he went to highlighted that commitments alone are not enough. 

"We fully intend to hold the Government accountable for these promises," he said.

"We also want to see payments for suckler, beef, and sheep farmers front-loaded, so that the biggest financial boost can happen in year one of the Government term," he added.

"This would help keep these farmers in business rather than forcing them to give up, as has been the case in recent times."

Mr McNamara also focused attention on the upcoming CAP negotiations and in highlighting the importance of those talks said: "The upcoming CAP negotiations will be a defining moment, and the Government must fight hard to secure a budget increase, simplified payment schemes, and additional funding outside CAP for environmental measures."

Mr McNamara also said a significant opportunity will present itself next year.

"With Ireland assuming the EU presidency in 2026, there is a significant opportunity to shape CAP in a way that genuinely benefits Irish farmers, and this opportunity must be seized," he said.

Mr McNamara also highlighted another area where action is needed on the part of the incoming Government.

"A strong and unified opposition to the Mercosur trade deal is another area where action, not just words, is required," he said.

"It is not enough for the Government to oppose this deal in principle," he added, before commenting: "They must actively collaborate with like-minded EU nations to block it and safeguard the livelihoods of Irish farmers."

He said the same approach should be made with regard to the Nature Restoration Law. 

"While the commitment that all measures under this law will remain entirely voluntary for farmers is welcome, it must be upheld in practice," he said.

He also highlighted another area that represents a critical issue for the sector.

“Generational renewal is another critical issue that requires follow-through," he said.

"The formation of the Commission for Generational Renewal in Farming was a positive step," he added.

"We now need to see policies developed and implemented that will support both new entrants and those exiting the sector.” 

On promoting the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Irish Grass Fed Beef, Mr McNamara said he wanted to see the financial benefits of the PGI standard reaching primary producers.

“We want to see our frontline beef farmers reap the financial rewards of having a PGI, and we also want to see a PGI for premium suckler beef," he said.

“ICSA also welcomes the commitments on protecting live exports, retaining the nitrates derogation, and strengthening the Agri-Food Regulator’s powers to improve transparency in the food supply chain," he added.

"These are vital issues that will require genuine commitment and determination to ensure the right outcomes for Irish farmers.”

In conclusion, Mr McNamara said that while the draft Programme for Government contained "many positive commitments", words are not enough.

"This draft Programme for Government contains many positive commitments, but words alone are not enough; delivery is what truly matters," he said.

"We look forward to engaging on these many important issues with the new Minister and Ministers of State within the Department of Agriculture once the Government is formed."