Ploughing wrap 2012
17/09/2012
10:42
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Supporting small farmers, consumers and the environment FOOD SOVEREIGNTY and food security should be the overriding goal of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has told the European Parliament in Brussels. “Governments have an obligation to protect, respect and fulfill this fundamental human right whilst ensuring that a reformed CAP contributes towards environmental protection,” Martina said. She argued that to achieve this we need an agricultural policy framework that takes into account the specific production systems in each country and region. The Derry former Assembly member said that such a framework needs to be one that supports small producers, is regulated throughout the food supply chain, and guarantees a fair price to producers and boosts local markets. “Simplification of the CAP is also crucial for both legislators and beneficiaries. “The food crisis shows that market regulation in favour of small and medium-sized farms is indispensable. Any reform of the CAP must ensure that
Sinn Féin MEP
direct payments to ensure the CAP budget is shared fairly. Martina Anderson, who is a member of the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee
Martina Anderson on CAP Reform
Any reform of the CAP must ensure that small and mediumsized farmers are getting a fair return for their products
these farmers are getting a fair return for their products. “Reform should be aimed strictly at active farmers and member states should be able to formulate and apply their own definition as to what constitutes a ‘small’ or ‘active’ farmer.” Sinn Féin wants to see a ceiling of €100,000 on
(Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety) added: “A reformed CAP should include a focus on sustainable farming and co-operatives, coupled with a political will to give priority to local and regional trade.”
anphoblacht
SPECIAL 2012 PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION
Sinn Féin ‘Defend Rural Ireland’ launch in Castlebar, Co Mayo
BY SENATOR
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5 Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD joined by Senators Trevor Ó Clochartaigh and Kathyrn O'Reilly with Kerry TD Martin Ferris
Easpa suime ag an rialtas I bhforbairt na Gaeltachta » LE TREVOR Ó CLOCHARTAIGH TÁ GO LEOR díomá ar phobal na Gaeltachta mar gheall ar Acht Gaeltachta, acht atá thar a bheith lochtach, agus tá go leor imní orthu nach bhfuil go leor á dhéanamh ag an rialtas chun an Ghaeltacht a chaomhnú. De réir an bille tá deireadh le Bord an Údaráis a thoghadh, agus in ionad toghcháin, beidh Aire na Gaeltachta in ann seachtar baill den Bhord a cheapadh é féin agus ainmneoidh na Comhairlí Chontae, a bhfuil limistéir Gaeltachta faoina gcúram, cúigear eile. Chun go bhfeidhmeoidh an tÚdarás mar ba chóir, tá ionadaíocht pobail riachtanach agus tá toghcháin poiblí ag teastáil chuige sin. Tá sé soiléir
De réir an bille tá deireadh le Bord an Údaráis a thoghadh, agus in ionad toghcháin, beidh Aire na Gaeltachta in ann seachtar baill den Bhord a cheapadh é féin agus ainmneoidh na Comhairlí Chontae, a bhfuil limistéir Gaeltachta faoina gcúram, cúigear eile
SINN FÉIN SEANAD SPOKESPERSPON ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT
go mbeidh an bord nua seo go huile is go hiomlán faoi smacht an Aire as seo amach. Laghdaíonn an Bhille seo an tionchar gur féidir leis an bpobal a bheith acu ar fheidhmiú an Údaráis. Do cháin go leor eagraíochtaí pobail an Acht, ina measc Conradh na Gaeilge, Chomhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, agus Aontas Phobail na Gaeilge, ar an mbonn go raibh sé mí-dhaonlathach, agus nach raibh an maoiniú, atá ag teastáil chun é a chur I bhfeidhm, ag an Údarás. De réir an Seanadóir Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, ní hé seo an chéad sampla den rialtas seo a bheith ag déanamh neamhaird ar pobail na Gaeltachta agus Gaeilge. “I mo thuaraim, níl go leor suim ag an rialtas seo sa Ghaeltacht. Is léir nach bhfuileadar ag cur an Straitéis Fiche Bliana I bhfeidhm, agus nach bhfuil an Ghaeltacht á caomhnú mar a ba chóir.”
IT’S TIME FOR ALL OF US TO STEP UP TO THE MARK TO DEFEND RURAL COMMUNITIES OUR ECONOMY should support our society – as opposed to society supporting the economy. We shouldn’t be working just to pay off the debts of reckless bankers and speculators to the detriment of vital local services and community projects. Our taxation should be about equitable redistribution of wealth so that we can keep our communities vibrant – be they urban or rural – and to support our citizens across the island. It should provide the necessary infrastructure and supports so people can live fulfilling and meaningful lives wherever they live.
We seek parity of treatment for urban and rural dwellers alike. Government policies are draining rural areas of services, infrastructure and economic opportunities. They are driving thousands into mass emigration, leaving rural communities dependent on an everdecreasing working population. They are closing Garda stations, health clinics, schools and factories. We see the decline of fisheries and agri-
culture. Shops, pubs and businesses in rural areas are in dire straits due to a decrease in activity. And all this is exacerbated by inadequate energy, communications and travel networks. The social consequences of increased unemployment through exclusion and mental and other health issues are going to be seen in greater difficulties for families and society in years to come. Sinn Féin is engaging with rural communi-
Our economy should support our society, as opposed to society supporting the economy
ties through our ‘Defending Rural Ireland’ campaign. We are travelling throughout Ireland, listening to communities about what they need and the solutions they see to survive this economic downturn and maintain the fabric of rural societies for future generations. We want to hear from you. Help us to build an Ireland that recognises the needs and gifts of all our citizens and put structures and resources in place to harness and support these properly. Help us realise the vision of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic which calls on us to cherish all of our children equally.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Email – Trevor.OClochartaigh@oireachtas.ie – Please put STAND UP in the Subject line