Press release
Minister McConalogue highlights farmers’ willingness to support environmental actions
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The 2-day meeting features a heavy agenda, with the agricultural items focused on the progression of a number of key files in the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, including proposals on: a Regulation on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed products, Regulation on the production and marketing of plant reproductive material, Regulation on the production and marketing of forest reproductive material, Regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products, Revision of the Breakfast Directives and a discussion of the Commission’s Animal Welfare package, regulating animal welfare during transport, and the welfare of cats and dogs.
Additionally, the agenda includes an assessment of the Market situation, in particular, following the invasion of Ukraine and stocktaking of the first year of implementation of the CAP Strategic plans.
Speaking at December’s Agricultural and Fisheries Council, Minister Charlie McConalogue reflected on the first year of the Implementation of the CAP Strategic Plans and gave his assessment on the role of farmers in relation to Climate Action:
“The first year of CSP implementation in Ireland indicates that adequately supporting environmental actions leads to a high level of uptake. It is clear that farmers are willing to play their important role in contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the CAP, provided that adequate support is available to them.”
On further support for farmers, the Minister added:
“Ireland agrees that the resources within the CAP cannot be the only instrument of response to the needs of the Union, and that other sources of funding must be mobilised to support this work.”
Regarding the Market Situation, the Minister noted:
“The main market challenge for Irish farmers is, and will continue to be, high input and production costs, especially in relation to energy, feed, and fertilisers. Input prices have remained high in 2023 after extraordinary increases in 2022, and while there are signs of improvement, prices are remaining above 2021 and 2022 levels.”
On the various Farm to Fork files, Minister McConalogue re-affirmed Ireland’s commitment to the Farm to Fork Strategy, but highlighted concerns in relation to the Regulation on the sustainable use of Plant Protection Products. Speaking at the meeting, the Minister said:
“Ireland supports the overall objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy and is committed to working in partnership with Member States to deliver them. However, it is critical that farmers have appropriate options available for plant protection. Regarding sensitive areas, further amendments are required to address the impact on certain agricultural areas in Ireland coming within the scope of the current proposed definition. There is also a need for greater flexibility to ensure that effective measures to protect sensitive areas can be better targeted."
Regarding New Genomic Techniques, the Minister confirmed his support for the new Regulation reaffirming the need to adopt innovation and technology in the agricultural sector. He noted that:
“Plants obtained by NGTs have the potential to address current challenges in the agri-food system such as food security, climate change and biodiversity reduction and can deliver benefits to farmers, consumers and the environment.”
On the Animal Welfare Package’s proposals, Minister McConalogue called on the Commission to acknowledge Ireland’s unique geographical position in the EU, stating:
“These rules must fully take into account Ireland’s unique geographical circumstances, and the right of Irish businesses to have the same full access to the Single Market as operators in other Member States. Substantial transition periods are necessary. The primary objective of the revision of the legislation should be the continued facilitation of high welfare intracommunity trade and export of live animals. Ireland cannot accept proposals which would effectively exclude Irish businesses from the single market.”