Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak today on agriculture, the backbone of the Irish economy. Along with its associated services, it underpinned this country's survival during the catastrophic economic crash of 2008 and it is now fundamental to the survival and prosperity of rural Ireland.

In County Limerick dairy farmers are hurting due to ongoing low milk prices. However, the same product continues to maintain its price to the consumer. This pricing crisis is due to factors such as increased supply and geopolitical developments arising in the past year. The removal of the Russian market and the devaluation of the Chinese currency are all contributing factors to this dynamic. Meanwhile, materials involved in production such as feed products, fertilisers and silage sheeting have all maintained, if not increased, their price. All these products depend on oil in production. Why are low oil prices not reflected in the price to the farmer of these products? There could be exploration of open book agreements in which commercial margins may be agreed and index-linked to fluctuations in the market. Open book agreements are not a new concept and already take place in other supply chains such as the information technology sector.

I welcome the agreements secured to export Irish beef to the new markets as outlined by the Minister. If conducted properly, we can compete and beat any other country in marketing our produce because it is the best. We have a massive diaspora with many Irish people in key decision-making positions in politics and industry that can be utilised and co-ordinated to allow us seamless access and help build new international relationships.

Locally, there must be exploration of initiatives to help alleviate financial pressures on farmers due to the low milk prices. Current planning laws in the likes of County Limerick require evaluation in exploring the option of freeing up farmers to sell sites to prospective buyers looking to settle in rural locations. The current planning guidelines were born at and are in situsince the time of the building boom more than ten years ago. They do not mirror the current happenings on the ground in the likes of County Limerick. The liberalisation of these planning laws would make it easier for more people to access a place in rural Ireland, thus enhancing the communities. It would also offer the landholder an option of selling sites to offset against current financial stress. This debate is required immediately.

It was also mentioned that farmers are being encouraged to make their submissions online to speed up their payments, but the access to rural broadband is not adequate to allow them do so. A positive inspection environment for the agricultural sector must also be encouraged. Inspection bureaucracy must be examined in a lean approach with a view to removing any surplus criteria. The continued development of a positive communication style from the authorities to farmers must also be encouraged.

I agree with previous speakers' comments on mental health in the agricultural sector. The current economic challenges coupled with other factors can greatly affect a farmer’s mental health. The farming lifestyle can be a complex area and for some it underpins their social inclusion. If removed, it would have a devastating effect. Ironically, however, for others that same lifestyle has a great impact on their social isolation, and this is an area of which we must also be mindful with a view to solving.

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