Speaking following the launch of today’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs report launch reviewing the work of the committee this parliament, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) outlined the vital importance of having a Northern Irish voice on the EFRA Committee at Westminster.
Ms Ritchie said: “Today’s report on the Work of the Committee shows the breadth and depth of the work covered by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in the past term of parliament. The EFRA Committee has looked at critical issues facing the agricultural community including falling dairy prices, foods security in the face of increasing Climate Change challenges, unacceptable delays in the rollout of rural broadband and measures to better combat Bovine TB.
“It is vitally important to have strong Northern Irish representation on the committee to be a voice on behalf of Northern Ireland consumers, farmers and agricultural community. “As the only committee member for Northern Ireland, I have proudly represented local farming through highlighting best practice and translating the experience here in Northern Ireland on issues such as the eradication of Bovine TB and the introduction of the plastic bag levy to name but two areas where we have been a leading example on environmental and agricultural issues. “The work of the EFRA Committee is relevant also to fishing industries in Northern Ireland, bearing down on fishery negotiations, fish species allocations which are negotiated on an annual basis. So it is again important to have a vital voice representing Northern Ireland at the committee. “It is also important to have an understanding of the close relations both north and south of the border, and I have argued that any risk of damage to agriculture on either region will impact negatively on both exports and farmers’ incomes. “It is vital to have a strong voice in Westminster on Northern Ireland’s rural and agricultural affairs. The scale of issues covered in this report highlights that need. Representing Northern Ireland and South Down on the EFRA Committee has been a privilege and an honour,” added Ms Ritchie.
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