Published: Tue, 08 September 2015
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MEP for Ireland South, Seán Kelly, has welcomed the announcement of a €500 million package of measures to support European Farmers by the European Commission (EC) yesterday. Mr. Kelly went on to praise the European Commission for taking “much needed action” at a time of great distress for farmers, adding that he is looking forward to seeing the details on how this package will be distributed at national level.
“The announcement of this package is an important, positive development for struggling European Farmers. Funding to allow for advanced payments, the stabilisation of markets, and measures to improve the functioning of the supply chain were all urgently needed, and their announcement will help to improve prospects for our farmers”
The package proposed by the Commission will also address a number of wider societal issues, notably the current Migration Crisis. Mr. Kelly noted that incorporating the biggest humanitarian crisis in recent times into the solution offered is a welcome and logical inclusion.
“It goes without saying that it is extremely unfortunate that these two important international issues would coincide at the same time. For this reason, I strongly agree with the humanitarian aspect of this package which will look to stabilise prices for farmers, while addressing the needs of those in dire need of aid and assistance through the supply of products such as milk powder. At this difficult stage, making the best use of our resources for the benefit of all is a welcome proposal”, highlighted Kelly.
The Fine Gael MEP, who last week called for a full discussion on all issues affecting the incomes of European farmers, noted that he was pleased that agricultural ministers will now debate the state of play of EU agricultural markets and identify the best ways forward.
“I welcome the discussions in the Council on the factors affecting the markets for famers’ produce. I am pleased to see that this discussion will mainly focus on milk markets, which have been suffering badly in recent months, and for a country like ours that attaches such importance to our milk exports, discussions at minister level to ensure its long-term prosperity are welcome”, he concluded.
