Kelly to convene meeting on Nitrates Directive in Brussels

Seán Kelly MEP and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament (Ireland South) has confirmed that he will convene a meeting on Ireland’s derogation from the Nitrates Directive in Brussels if re-elected for the next parliamentary term.

“If re-elected to the European Parliament I will organise a high-level meeting of leading MEPs with the European Commission to discuss Ireland’s case as regards the Nitrates Directive and to ensure the derogation continues for Irish farmers”, said Kelly.

“There are a lot of candidates running in the European elections – thankfully the majority have agreed to maintain Ireland’s derogation. However, there may be several new MEPs elected who will have to build their political networks from scratch. As an experienced Member of the Parliament, having already represented Ireland South at EU level for 15 years, I will be in the best position to convene such an initiative.

“Over the past few years, farmers have been implementing numerous measures at the farm level to enhance sustainability. These efforts still need time to yield results, and farmers, like any other business, need certainty to justify their ongoing investments.

“I have advocated for, and if elected will continue to do so, maintaining a nitrates derogation for Ireland that takes into account our unique grass-based system. This needs a comprehensive approach from our national government, farming organisations, MEPs, and even civil society.

“Ireland is a supporter of EU integration and we have shown solidarity in many areas across our history in the union, but we should not be afraid to say in this case we are unique amongst our peers and EU regulations should reflect that. It is not about special treatment for the sake of it, instead, treatment of a special case”, Kelly said.

As an MEP for Ireland South, Kelly says he is “acutely aware of the challenges facing our farmers and rural communities”.

 “The landscape of European agriculture is evolving rapidly, with profound implications for the sustainability and prosperity of our sector. I will ensure these communities are represented at EU level in the next European Parliament term”, Kelly added.

“Farmers are the ones who put food on the table, support our major export industries, but also they are the ones who can deliver the transition to sustainability. They must be paid properly for doing so. We need to revisit the CAP budget, secure family farm incomes, and pay our farmers to deliver EU sustainability strategies and I will work with my EPP colleagues to ensure we get the best possible deal for farmers”, Kelly concluded.