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15/09/2015
Call For Europe To Offer 'Immediate Support' To NI's Dairy Sector
The European Agricultural Commission is being urged to offer "immediate support" to NI's dairy sector before many farmers go out of business.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill made the call following concerns about the impact of the current crisis on dairy farmers and their families.
Commenting on the recent measures announced at the Special Agriculture Meeting in Brussels Minister O'Neill said: "There appears to be little new thinking in the recent package announced by the Commission, which falls short of the immediate meaningful action I have been pushing for. I have real concerns that €500million will not go very far across 28 Member States and that the funding we will eventually receive is not targeted at our unique and specific needs in the north. I have therefore written to Commissioner Hogan seeking urgent clarification on how our Member State envelope will support our farmers.
"Our local industry representatives throughout the dairy supply chain have called for a significant increase in the intervention price and I have strenuously supported that call. I believe we now need to examine the intervention system and assess whether it adequately fulfils the role of providing an effective safety net, especially given that the current intervention rate was set 12 years ago. I will continue to urge the Commission to use the full range of tools at its disposal."
The Minister, who will update members of the Agricultural Committee today, 15 September, on the issue, also paid tribute to the dairy sector for its important contribution it makes to the local economy.
(CD)
Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill made the call following concerns about the impact of the current crisis on dairy farmers and their families.
Commenting on the recent measures announced at the Special Agriculture Meeting in Brussels Minister O'Neill said: "There appears to be little new thinking in the recent package announced by the Commission, which falls short of the immediate meaningful action I have been pushing for. I have real concerns that €500million will not go very far across 28 Member States and that the funding we will eventually receive is not targeted at our unique and specific needs in the north. I have therefore written to Commissioner Hogan seeking urgent clarification on how our Member State envelope will support our farmers.
"Our local industry representatives throughout the dairy supply chain have called for a significant increase in the intervention price and I have strenuously supported that call. I believe we now need to examine the intervention system and assess whether it adequately fulfils the role of providing an effective safety net, especially given that the current intervention rate was set 12 years ago. I will continue to urge the Commission to use the full range of tools at its disposal."
The Minister, who will update members of the Agricultural Committee today, 15 September, on the issue, also paid tribute to the dairy sector for its important contribution it makes to the local economy.
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
