Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas don Teachta Pringle a thug an deis dom labhairt anocht. In recent months, I have spoken to farmers across Laois and Offaly, and I consistently raised the issues concerning beef and suckler farmers a number of times before this crisis kicked off. Some of the farmers I spoke to have never been on a protest before in their lives. This was a case of necessity, with them being forced onto the picket lines in the hope of salvaging their livelihoods and those of the sons and daughters who hope to succeed them in farming. It is a disgrace that the crisis has escalated to this point instead of being resolved. In fairness, the Minister brought the stakeholders to the table, and I commend him on including the representatives of the Independent Farmers of Ireland group. The more stakeholders involved, the better.

We need to go back over the situation. Farming families have been put in a desperate and distressing state and have not been rewarded for their produce and hard work of many years. This situation must change if we are to make progress and move forward. Agreement on the base price and total transparency are crucial for the protection and survival of the sector. If we are to build better relations based on trust between the various stakeholders, including the meat industry and Bord Bia, both of which have serious questions to answer, then that is the point at which we must start.

Farmers forced onto the picket lines have already stated that they will immediately lift their picket if a fair base price is agreed. Such a price or contract must be agreed urgently in order to allow farmers who want to return to their work to do so, factory employees to return to their jobs and sheep farmers to access the factories.

The factories and beef barons have made significant profits while our farmers have made serious losses and have lost all confidence in the meat industry and Bord Bia. This cannot continue. A fair price and respect must be given to our beef and suckler farmers. A fair base price must be agreed.

I must point something out to the Minister that came to my attention during the summer. Supports for beef and suckler farmers must be examined. In particular, the criteria for the beef exceptional aid measure, BEAM, are unfair and require a reduction in herd size. Many farmers who had hoped to enter the scheme could not do so because it stood to lose them more. We need to address this matter. The European Commissioner stated this week or last that it would be an embarrassment if the majority of our beef farmers did not accept the scheme, but the real embarrassment is the fact that the Commissioner has not fought hard enough for Irish farmers over these criteria, removing restrictions and allowing our farmers to enter the scheme. I am mentioning this now because it is an important issue.

Farmers on the picket lines have stated that they will immediately withdraw. I hope that they will do so, but the base price issue must be addressed quickly. Seeing our farmers suffering has been shameful. It cannot continue. I call on the processors, who are undoubtedly watching our proceedings tonight, to offer a fair price to farmers and to give them their long-overdue respect in order to save the sector.

We must recognise that agriculture has been the backbone of our economy through the bleakest of times. I live in a rural area in which I am surrounded by beef and suckler farmers. I have the utmost respect for the hard work that they do. They deserve it.

Farmers have stated that they will in no way agree to anything less than a fair base price. They have drawn a line in the sand. We need that price fast. In addition, I call on the Minister to ensure more supports for farmers in Project Ireland 2040. Will he please increase the direct payment to suckler farmers to €200? It was disappointing to see it at only €40 per cow last year. The €1 billion Brexit fund for market supports and direct aid needs to be implemented in addition to a compensation fund for farmers who supplied cattle post 12 May and are now losing a combined €4 million per week on beef prices. All of these measures would collectively help the farmers.

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