EU Agriculture Commissioner Visits Ulster Farmers’ Union
European Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer-Boel has completed a whirlwind series of visits in Northern Ireland.
Hosted by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, the Commissioner visited a number of family farms, met leading figures from the local agri-food industry, and participated in a round of political meetings at Stormont.
In a two day visit to Northern Ireland Mariann Fischer-Boel stayed overnight on a County Down dairy farm, an early start seeing the Commissioner visit the milking parlour before enjoying a local farmhouse breakfast with the Rankin family, Newtownards.
The Commissioner also visited the Donnan family farm in Donaghadee, where EU Peace and Reconciliation Funds under Measure 1.7a ‘Obtaining Alternative Employment’, have been used to build an on-farm children’s day nursery. Ian Lisa Donnan showed the Commissioner the Country Kids Day Nursery which has recently enrolled its 100th child. The Commissioner said this was an excellent example of EU funds being used to generate off farm income, create employment and keep families in rural areas.
Addressing agri-food industry representatives at Stormont, the EU Commissioner signalled her support for a simplification of EU rules and the need for less duplication of farm inspections.
Fischer Boel held talks with First Minister Designate Dr Ian Paisley, Agriculture Minister Designate Michelle Gildernew, Environment Minister Designate Arlene Foster, and Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Assembly Agriculture Committee William McCrea and Tom Elliott.
UFU President Kenneth Sharkey praised the Commissioners willingness to listen carefully to the views of the local industry: “The dialogue between Commissioner Fischer-Boel and the local agri-food industry has been very constructive. We have exchanged views and discussed important issues such as encouraging young people into the industry. I believe she is passionate about agriculture and I think local farmers have greatly appreciated that she has to come to Northern Ireland to hear our views and learn about our local issues”.
