Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD has today set out an action plan for immediate measures needed for farmers and the agrifood sector to deal with the impact of the current coronavirus outbreak on the sector.
He commented, “Unfortunately, the very necessary public health measures are restricting economic activity and markets for Irish agri-food. Considering that we export 90% of all our dairy and beef internationally this places a gigantic challenge in the present climate and will require direct market supports (intervention and Aid for Private Storage) and compensation for losses incurred.
“My party and I are calling on Commissioner Wojciechowsk, the government and Minister Creed and his European counterparts to examine the following measures to protect farmers and the agri-food sector as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.
- Immediately deliver an emergency crisis fund for farmers, especially those in vulnerable sectors e.g. beef and sheep, to compensate for market losses via CAP market disturbance aid.
- Introduce EU market supports i.e. intervention and Aid for Private Storage in order to provide price supports for farm sectors impacted e.g. meat and dairy.
- Vital that the Department of Agriculture has full engagement with the European Commission for farm scheme flexibility in light of Covid-19.
- All 2020 scheme payment deadlines must also be maintained, and flexibility given by the EU Commission on issues such as inspections.
- Suspend the need for any non-essential inspection requirements and ensure that there is no impact on payment dates.
- Amend the stocking density rules under the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme so that all farmers do not come under pressure to purchase cattle immediately.
- Avail of new EU state aid flexibilities to directly support farmers. Member States are now allowed to draw up schemes to directly grant-aid those active in the primary production of agricultural products to address urgent liquidity needs up to the value of €100,000 per undertaking.
- Flexibility to be shown in the awarding of the Green Cert this year.
- Ensure that necessary flexibility is provided to Marts to put in place alternative trading arrangements for livestock during the crisis period.
“I would like to commend the outstanding work that farmers and the industry are doing to ensure our world-renowned low carbon produce continues to supply the food supply chain at home and abroad. It is essential that we now see the necessary supports put in place to enable them to continue with this crucial work at a time of national and international emergency,” concluded Deputy McConalogue.
