Kilkenny family farmers in 'a fight for survival' says Kilkenny TD

The agri-food industry is a critical component to local economies in rural Ireland and are critical for sustaining communities, according to Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow/ Kilkenny, Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere.

However, he warned, the traditional family farms in his constituency are under severe pressure and their survival is at risk if they do not get the support they desperately need.

“Farmers are in a fight for survival. At stake here is the survival of traditional family farms and hundreds of jobs in Carlow and Kilkenny,” said Deputy Cleere.

“The Irish agri-food industry is a critical industry for our economy. It goes towards 8% of GDP, it employs over 170,000 people and counts for 11% of total exports.

Deputy Cleere has highlighted the issue of the nitrates directive and the serious threat to derogation status for many dairy farmers, one he says will have a lasting impact on them.

“I have spoken to farmers in my constituency about the struggles they are facing, this is a big issue for them. Government must be prepared to go into the trenches on the nitrates directive,” Deputy Cleere said.

“I believe we have to try our very best to convince the EU Commission and the other 26 member states that Ireland must retain the derogation. If it was not to be retained, it would have a devastating and lasting impact on dairy farmers.”

The Kilkenny TD said government must also support farmers financially to ensure they can achieve reduced emissions and increase diversity.

“Carbon Dioxide emissions have exploded following a century of industrialisation, urbanisation and massive transport expansion. However, the damage cannot be reversed in a few short years and common sense must prevail,” he said.

“Fianna Fáil knows that Irish agriculture can continue to be a world leader in innovation sustainability and value. Our farmers have demonstrated their commitment to innovation by embracing the challenges to reduce the environmental impact of farming, with 55,000 farmers joining the ACRES Scheme.”

Deputy Cleere said that our niche, compared to other EU countries, is that the farming and food industry is the backbone of rural communities in Ireland, and that is why we must continue to support farmers.

“Schools, GAA and other sports, local shops and businesses depend on the farming and food industry flourishing. We accept the climate impact on the environment, but there must be a balanced perspective, when legislating for corrective measures,” he concluded.