Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy will host a seminar entitled ‘The Future of Irish Farming’ in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, this Friday, November 9.
The meeting will also feature representatives of Irish farming organisations, as well as a contingent from the European Commission.
Among the topics up for discussion are Brexit, unfair trading practices by retailers, continuing price challenges and the looming reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2020.
The seminar line-up includes: Joe Brady, rural development chairperson of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA); Colm O’Donnell, president of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA); James Healy, president of Macra na Feirme; as well as representatives from specific industry groups and the EU Commission’s agriculture department.
Brexit uncertainty
The seminar will also include a question and answer session for those in attendance, which Sinn Fein says will allow people make their own views heard on the issues.
These are incredibly challenging times for anyone working in farming and for those who have concerns for the future of our rural communities.
Carthy said: “Brexit has clearly created huge uncertainty, but when added to the new CAP reform and a dangerous EU trade agenda, it is no exaggeration to suggest that Irish agriculture as we know it could face fundamental change in the time ahead.
“It is vital that communities are informed of these challenges and that we discuss the political options available to tackle them.
“Our seminar hopes to inject into the debate a sense that, collectively, we can ensure a future for Irish family farming – but it will take political will and imagination,” he added.