Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill noted the EU’s additional package of measures to support farmers in crisis but cautioned that any meaningful difference needs to be felt by farmers immediately.
Following the Agri-Fish Council meeting in Brussels, Minister O’Neill said: “In my previous meetings with Commissioner Hogan and DEFRA Secretary Liz Truss, I have strenuously pushed for immediate support for our hard-pressed farmers. Both are well aware of my ongoing concern that, if the current situation continues, an increasing number of farmers will be forced to leave the industry, impacting on both its long term future and that of our rural economy. While I note the measures announced yesterday, the effectiveness will be judged on any real and immediate difference it makes to farmers who are currently struggling to make ends meet.
“Commissioner Hogan has today initiated an additional suite of actions aimed at addressing the long term stability and sustainability of the farm sector. In particular, I note Commissioner Hogan’s intention to double the intervention ceilings for skimmed milk powder and butter to 218,000 tonnes and 100,000 tonnes respectively, as well as his suggestion to consider a further private storage aid scheme for pigmeat.
“I acknowledge that the Commission has today also indicated its willingness to work with the European Investment Bank EIB so that our farmers and processors can access much needed finance for investment to improve the competitiveness of their businesses or make any necessary structural adjustments, and the plans to examine the feasibility of an export credit scheme. We need to see concrete proposals coming forward quickly from EIB so that our industry can avail of additional support as soon as possible.”
The Minister added: “In addition, it is essential that the Commission begins to recognise the value of transparency in agricultural markets. We already have a Milk Market Observatory, therefore I support the Commission’s intention to establish a new meat market observatory for beef and pigmeat. Extending the market reporting system should help improve market signals.
“We also need swift action to reform the supply chain and ensure a better balance of risk and reward for our farmers. The Agricultural Markets Taskforce will be key to ensuring a robust EU wide approach and I acknowledge the Commission’s intention to facilitate greater engagement between Member States and the Agricultural Markets Task Force in advance of their final report which is due in autumn 2016.”
Minister O’Neill has already taken a number of steps to provide support for the north’s hard-pressed farmers. DARD is working to help all farming sectors become more efficient and profitable. This support includes enhancing penetration of existing markets; helping to open up new markets; business support proposals through the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme, including the Farm Business Improvement Scheme; a robust approach to tackling animal health issues; and support for skills, research and knowledge transfer.
She indicated that she will give careful consideration to the Commission’s specific proposals as further details emerge.
