‘We will continue to champion agri sector’ - Fine Gael

THE establishment of a special Brexit unit within the Department of Agriculture as well as the Knowledge Transfer Group scheme, improvements in access to the US beef market and a number of other developments have been cited by Fine Gael as examples of improvements to the sector under its governance in the past year.

Oireachtas Agriculture Committee chairperson Fine Gael TD Pat Deering said the party is now optimistic the ‘sector will continue to go from strength to strength in the New Year.’

“I know that the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU has shaped the agenda of Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed this year, including the establishment of a dedicated Brexit Unit in the Department.

“In addition plenty of work has been done to strengthen other areas of the sector. 2016 saw the establishment of the Knowledge Transfer Group Scheme...

“Ireland secured improved access for Irish beef to the US market in 2016, with the decision of authorities there to recognise Ireland’s raw meat control system as equivalent to that of the US.

Minister Michael Creed said he was confident measures recently brought in will assist families and businesses through challenges arising from income volatility, poor weather and the uncertainty in the market caused by Brexit.