February 2011 Dear The upcoming election will prove a defining moment in our history. The economy is on the brink of collapse, the country on the brink of despair. As so often in the past, agriculture is a beacon of hope at this time. Farmers have continued to produce world class milk, beef, lamb, grain, fruit and vegetables, pork, and poultry. It is being sold across the world, with €12bn generated in food and drink exports last year, providing a lifeline to the economy. As an active farmer, who milks in the morning before facing into the work of a TD, I am hugely positive about the prospects for farming. The ‘Food Harvest 2020’ plan stands as one of the outgoing Government’s few achievements of merit, and I fully endorse the targets of a 50% volume increase in milk, and a 50% value output in dairying. Upcoming reform of the CAP will have a huge impact on our production and incomes, and Fine Gael, as member of the EPP, by far the largest group in the EU, will be well placed to strongly negotiate a good outcome for Ireland. Fair Trade Bill Suppliers are being squeezed unfairly for profit by large and powerful retailers. As a result, producers are receiving low prices for their produce. But Irish consumers are also paying the second highest prices in Europe. Removing unfair practices to competition will lower food prices for consumers and will give producers a fairer price for their produce. We will enact a Fair Trade Act, which will ban a number of unfair trading practices in the retail sector such as ‘hello money’ which producers have to pay to get their goods on supermarket shelves. Dairy It is vital that the new Government negotiate a ‘soft landing’ for milk quotas. The ending of quotas in 2015 is now inevitable, but Ireland, so disadvantaged by the quota regime’s introduction in 1984, must not be penalised in its end days. A superlevy should only be imposed if the overall EU quota is exceeded. If other countries do not fill their quotas when markets are tight, Ireland must be allowed pick up the slack. There is a need to increase processing capacity and efficiency to cope with increased production. This is a nationally important strategic need, and Government must be involved in its delivery. Beef Farmers must consistently receive a fair price from the processor/retail cartel that exists. Strong legislation, at EU and national level, to ensure price transparency and the integrity of the food chain at all levels is required. Live exports must be protected from excessive regulation, and Bord Bia must be strongly supported in marketing our meat worldwide.
Sheep Before the 2007 general election, I was on South East radio with Sean Connick discussing farming issues. A package of sheep measures had been announced that day by Mary Coughlan. The grant scheme has just opened, three and a half years later, and the first payment from the Health Check funds freed up in 2008 took place last week. In the meantime, ewe numbers have halved in Wexford in just five years. In Government, Fine Gael will talk less, and deliver more to the sheep sector, which has the capacity to grow back to its former strength. Tillage Volatility is a huge issue in all sectors, but especially grain. Teagasc last week predicted a possible price range of ₏130- 230 tonne for wheat this harvest. I want to see an end to short selling of grain, to prevent trader speculation destabilizing markets and farmers incomes. I fully support current efforts to investigate the possible resumption of beet processing. I was in Brussels in July 2005 representing Wexford beet growers in our efforts to prevent the destruction of the sector. I will work with anyone who wants to restore viable beet processing, for bioethanol, sugar, bioplastics, or any product that returns an income to tillage farmers. Forestry The forestry sector has potential, as timber is one of the many resources in short supply at present. I support the current levels of funding for new plantings, but I am also calling for sufficient funding for thinning and for roadways. It’s no good planting if we ignore this crucial stage, both for some revenue for the grower, and for the long term health and value of the wood. I want to see a vigorous debate among all of us who care deeply about farming in this election campaign. I would welcome any views you might have on these or any other issues. My commitment to farming runs deep, and besides, like most farmers, I love to talk farming! Regards
_______________________ Michael D’Arcy T.D.