SOUTH DOWN MP Margaret Ritchie has said that local politicians must do more to push forxa0reforms of agricultural policy in Brussels that create a fairer future forxa0the industry across Ireland.
Speaking at the SDLP Conference in Armagh on Saturday 10 November Msxa0Ritchie said:xa0″The next few years in Brussels are crucial in setting the agenda for thexa0reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy,xa0which will determine the future of our rural economy for generations. xa0Wexa0need solutions that are responsive to the needs of the agriculture industryxa0across the island and there needs to be a greater recognition of thexa0benefits of greater regionalisation within the reforms. If our economy is toxa0thrive we need to support our local producers and develop a competitivexa0agri-foods sector.
“We need to use every political lever we have to persuade Brussels that axa0better deal is possible for our agricultural industry and the DARD Ministerxa0has not done enough to press our case. There must be a co-operative approachxa0between the industry, the local community and government to sustain andxa0build the agricultural economy on an all-island basis.
“Electing an SDLP Member of the European Parliament in 2014 is the best wayxa0to ensure that a local voice is heard in Brussels.”
