MEP from Offaly hosts European Parliament talks on future of Irish farming
Dairy and meat industry among 'key stakeholders' at meeting
FIANNA Fáil MEP for the Midlands North-West, Barry Cowen, hosted a high-level discussion in the European Parliament focused on the future of Ireland’s dairy and beef sectors on Thursday.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Dairy Industry Ireland and Meat Industry Ireland.
The discussions centred on pressing issues such as the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), generational renewal, trade and tariffs. However, the dominant theme of the meeting was Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation, a critical policy for the future sustainability of Irish farming. The dialogue highlighted the sector’s ongoing efforts to improve environmental standards and included praise from industry representatives for the job being done by Irish MEPs highlighting this progress in Brussels.
Several MEPs attended the key event. Alongside MEP Cowen were Maria Walsh, Fine Gael, a fellow full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) Committee, as well as Billy Kelleher MEP, Fianna Fail, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, Michael McNamara MEP, and Ciarán Mullooly MEP. Representatives from the offices of Fine Gael MEPs Nina Carberry and Seán Kelly were also present. The broad political presence demonstrated a united commitment to advocating for Irish farmers at the European level.
Mr Cowen and his colleagues reaffirmed their dedication to leading the political effort to secure the retention of the Nitrates Derogation. The meeting also coincided with positive news from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which yesterday reported that nitrogen levels in Irish rivers have reached their lowest point in eight years - an outcome attributed to the immense work undertaken by Irish farmers in collaboration with Government and other stakeholders, including EU initiatives such as the €60 million Water EIP Project.
Mr Cowen, a former Fianna Fail TD for Offaly, stated: “I was delighted to see such strong consensus today on the issues that matter most to Irish farmers. The future of our dairy and beef sectors depends on fair and balanced policies that recognise both environmental responsibilities and economic realities.
“The latest EPA data is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Irish farmers in adopting more sustainable practices. These improvements must be properly acknowledged at EU level, particularly in the context of our application to renew the Nitrates Derogation. I have been leading the fight to ensure this as a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee. Farmers have demonstrated their commitment to environmental responsibility, and their efforts deserve recognition and reward, not additional burdens.
“Record beef prices, growing new market opportunities and strong trade are all positive indicators for the sectors, but we must remain vigilant. I look forward to continued engagement with Ireland’s farming and export community to ensure that their voice is heard in Brussels and that policy decisions reflect the reality they face on the ground.”