New Oireachtas Ag committee chair pledges to protect farmers
The new chair of the influential Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food has said his focus will be "firmly on protecting farmers".
The Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North-West, Aindrias Moynihan, believes Ireland’s agri-food sector "is facing one of the most critical periods in its history" and he wants to ensure that the sector is supported through change.
“This is a vital time for the Irish agriculture and food sectors. These industries are the backbone of our economy and our rural communities.
“We are entering a period of significant challenge and unpredictability, both economically and geo-politically, and it is essential that our farmers and food producers are protected and supported at every level.
"Farmers are the foundation of rural Ireland, and I will work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns acted upon,” Deputy Moynihan said.
According to the Cork North-West TD, one of his immediate priorities as he assumes the role of chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food will be to "protect Irish agri-exports from the potential impact" of international developments, including any tariffs imposed by the United States,
“We must ensure that affected businesses have every opportunity to find new and alternative markets.
"While these global shifts present challenges, they also create opportunities. I believe we must act decisively to expand the presence of Irish produce in emerging international markets and to support our food sector in growing its global footprint," Deputy Moynihan added,
Aside from the external threats that the agri-food sector faces, he also believes it is important to support farmers through the "green transition" closer to home.
“We must bring people with us during this time of change.
"That means working with farmers, not against them, to invest in sustainable technologies and new farming practices that improve environmental outcomes without undermining livelihoods," the deputy outlined.
The Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North-West has also stressed that he is "fully committed" along with party colleagues to making the case at EU level for the retention of Ireland’s nitrates derogation.
He said the party will work "constructively with farmers, industry, state agencies and local authorities to develop evidence-based solutions that help improve water quality.”
The previous Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine devoted a considerable amount of its time to highlighting and debating the ongoing issue of bovine tuberculosis (TB)
According to Deputy Moynihan, the new committee will also want to hear what is happening on this front.
“We cannot afford to lose focus on the continued threat of bovine TB.
"As chair, I will push for a full review and update of the National TB 2030 Eradication Strategy, in close collaboration with farmers and the wider agricultural sector.
"We must also ensure that the Wildlife Control Programme is properly staffed and that our regional veterinary offices are adequately resourced to carry out this vital work on the ground," he said.
