New Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach-in-waiting, Simon Harris has said he wants to engage in a new partnership on agriculture where farmers are central to the changes being made.
The party leader said he wants to say to farmers and to rural Ireland that “Fine Gael will never talk down to you on climate action”, but instead sit down and work with and for farmers.
Harris, who will be nominated for election as Taoiseach next week, was speaking at the 82nd Fine Gael Ard Fheis at the University of Galway this evening (Saturday, April 6).
“We won’t lecture you because I want to engage in a new partnership on agriculture where farmers are central to the changes we are making.
“For example, I want to implement the agri-environment strategies – such as the biomethane strategy – so farmers can earn a good income while protecting our environment.
“I will work with you and support you so that, together, we retain Ireland’s nitrates derogation which is necessary for our agri-food sector,” the new Fine Gael leader said.
Harris on farming
Fine Gael has held 15 meetings across the country with farmers, the party leader said and added that “we have listened; we now need to turn that listening into action”.
Harris said he has asked the party’s agriculture group to come forward a plan within the next six weeks on how Fine Gael intends to act on issues like succession, retirement and other stresses facing the farming community.
Addressing the 82nd Fine Gael Ard Fheis today, Harris said he is regularly engaging with the farming community across his constituency in Co. Wicklow, and added:
“As we know and they know, it has been a brutal year for farmers, because the weather has been awful. You need help, and we will respond.
“Under my leadership, I will look at practical supports to help the farming community because agriculture is a vital part of the Irish economy. Your work needs to be rewarded, respected and valued.”
During his address, Harris also reiterated his commitment to establish new vet schools in rural Ireland.
“I may be leaving my current Department [of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science], but I will be making sure we establish new vet schools in rural Ireland,” Harris said.
The department confirmed to Agriland that it continues to engage with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on this matter.