Dublin (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Tirlán, Ireland’s leading farmer-owned dairy and grain co-operative, has arranged a meeting of Ireland’s MEPs ahead of them journeying to Brussels for the first proper session of the new European Parliament term.
Why Is the Irish Dairy Sector Crucial for the Economy?
The purpose of the meeting was to inform MEPs across constituencies and party groupings on the economic importance of the Irish dairy sector while emphasising the need for continuing support and safety of Irish farming communities at a European level. While the parliament did assemble after June’s elections to elect its officials and appoint committees, the legislative work of the new parliament reaches underway when its summer recess ends next month.
The MEPs who were invited were Billy Kelleher (Fianna Fáil), Michael McNamara (independent), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Fianna Fáil), Barry Cowen (Fianna Fáil), Kathleen Funchion (Sinn Fein) and Nina Carberry (Fine Gael).
The meeting aided in briefing the MEPs on the economic influence of the agriculture sector in general, particularly its assistance to employment opportunities and rural community development. Among the various topics discussed at the meeting was the significance of retaining the nitrates derogation beyond 2025. The nitrates derogation permits farmers to exceed the limitation of 170kg of livestock manure nitrogen (N) per hectare, as defined in the nitrates regulations, up to a maximum of 220kgN/ha (or 250kgn/ha in small areas of exception).
What Are the Key Goals of Tirlán’s Farming for Water Project?
MEPs were also reported on Tirlán’s Farming for Water: River Slaney Project, as a possible blueprint for adaptation in other EU member states. The scheme aims to improve water quality across the Slaney River catchment extent of counties Wexford, Carlow, and Wicklow through cooperative efforts with local Tirlán suppliers.
Tirlán’s Chairperson, John Murphy, stated: “We are very pleased to accommodate so many of our MEPs here ahead of what will no doubt be a very busy term in the EU Parliament.
“It is vitally important to Ireland’s agri-sector that our MEPs use their strong collective voice to advocate on behalf of farming families across the country. The dairy and grain industries are key to Ireland’s rural economy. Our politicians and policymakers need to understand and support our farmers.
“Agriculture as an indigenous employer cannot be underestimated and must be at the forefront of their work in Europe. In particular, the retention of the derogation is a key ask of our MEPs. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with our representatives,” he said.
Tirlán’s chief executive officer, Seán Molloy, stated: “It is an opportune time to deliver our MEPs how the dairy sector is adjusting sustainably while retaining our status as world-class food producers and economic drivers.
“As the new European Parliament convenes, we ask our MEPs to advocate on behalf of Irish agriculture and to support Irish farm families, as well as the wider community directly and indirectly employed in the sector,” he stated.
