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Fertile soil, a temperate climate and a rich farming culture combine to reinforce Ireland’s status as one of the EU’s strongest agricultural regions. In the current political and economic climate, the Irish agricultural sector faces great challenges. With the right support on a European and national level however, I believe that this industry can halt its perceived decline and become a thriving sector in our economy.
Ireland stands to benefit immensely from new opportunities and innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sectors. In my work, I strive to ensure that Irish farmers get the most out of the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). I also want to see the over-zealous nature of inspections addressed, live exports preserved, and the family farm and rural Ireland protected.
Threat from climate change, rising energy costs, food security and rural decline tend to hinder the potential of Ireland’s agricultural sector. Thankfully, this is where membership of the European Union largely plays in our favour. Through the CAP, we may coordinate with the 27 other Member States in order to build sustainable and effective policies which tackle issues of common concern.
Under the current CAP reform of 2014-2020, the Irish farming sector has received €10.7 billion in European investment. Moreover, membership of the EU enables Irish farmers to reach markets way beyond our shores. For example, our combined agri-food exports to the United States and China are worth over €1.6 billion.
Not only does the CAP support farmers’ incomes, but it also provides incentives to produce high quality food for consumers and seek new development opportunities, such as renewable ‘green’ energy sources, to help protect our planet from climate change.
Efforts to reduce emissions are of great significance in the agriculture sector because the natural processes associated with food production result in emissions of some greenhouse gases, particularly methane and nitrous oxide. I know that Irish farmers are making huge strides to reduce emissions, in line with the excellent research done by Teagasc, and are contributing to European efforts to confront the climate change challenge whilst maintaining the sustainability of this sector.
Effort Sharing RegulationAs Energy Committee’s rapporteur for the EPP on the 2030 climate targets, I have been working extensively on the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) for the period 2021 – 2030. This Regulation sets targets that cover all emissions except for large power plants and industrial installations, and is therefore relevant to the farming sector. From an Irish perspective, I have been working hard to ensure that provisions applying to the agricultural sector in particular prove both fair and effective.
Working alongside my colleagues in the ITRE committee, I endeavour to ensure that proposals in relation to emissions targets are balanced and pragmatic, evidencing consideration of national and/or regional circumstances. Ireland’s high share of agriculture in our energy mix must be taken into consideration. As one of the few MEPs who has committed to fighting for optimal solution for both Irish farmers and our climate targets, I will do my utmost to push for the necessary adaptations over the coming months.
I have engaged at EU level on a number of occasions with regards to the concerns of landowners from Ireland South and the impact of conservation rules for Hen Harriers. I brought this matter to the attention of the European Commission, noting serious difficulties local farmers are experiencing in carrying out agricultural work on their land due to the European Union’s Birds Directive, which offers conservation protection through the Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas Designation.
This designation was introduced to halt the declining population of Hen Harriers, which are mostly found in Counties Limerick, Clare, Kerry, Tipperary and Laois. However, many farmers have been adversely impacted by the terms of the designation. I am mindful that farming in these areas is the source of income which many families are dependent on, so it is of the utmost importance that these concerns are heard at EU level, where the conservation rules are drawn up.
I have called for an immediate, co-ordinated approach across Government departments to ensure that farmers are compensated for their financial loss due to the designation of their lands. It is clear that a more comprehensive level of engagement is needed on such issues to ensure that local concerns are taken on board whilst natural habitats are protected without unnecessarily hindering or damaging people’s livelihoods.
As a result of my meeting with the Commission, it was clarified that rural development allows Member States to compensate farmers for costs and income loss resulting from the disadvantages and restrictions related to the implementation of Birds and Habitats Directives. This goes beyond the agricultural and environmental conditions and minimum agricultural activities set in the first pillar of the CAP.
In subsequent events, I welcomed Minister Simon Coveney’s, then Minister for Agriculture, efforts to accelerate work on the forestry aspects of the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan. In addition to priority access for farmers with Hen Harrier land under the GLAS (Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme), Minister Coveney introduced further measures via the Locally Led Agri-Environment Scheme (LLAES) to cater for farmers who are farming large tracts of Hen Harrier Land. I continue to engage with Minister Coveney’s successor Michael Creed on this and various other issues of concern to Ireland South’s farming community.
