Natasha Newsome Drennan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

For generations, agriculture has been the heartbeat of Ireland's economy, culture and rural identity. Today, over 170,000 people are employed across the sector. That number shows the agrifood sector is the backbone of communities across the State. Many of my family members, neighbours and friends are part of that 170,000-strong workforce that contributes to the strength of Irish agriculture.

We must face the reality that Irish farming stands at a crossroads. There are external threats breathing down the necks of farmers across the State. As someone whose family runs a suckler farm, it is crystal clear to me that time and again the suckler farmer is getting the short end of the stick. The Mercosur free trade deal will see up to 99,000 tonnes of beef imported from the likes of Brazil and Argentina. The average income of farmers in Ireland is €19,000 per year, while the average for a suckler farmer is already rock bottom at €7,400. How low will their income drop when this beef starts appearing on shelves across the EU?

We are here to speak on the importance of agrifood to the economy but last week Fine Gael's MEPs abstained on a motion on risks related to importing goods produced with banned pesticides and GMOs as part of Mercosur. Putting out statements on the risk of Mercosur is all well and good but abstaining on that key vote was a slap in the face to Irish farmers and the communities who support them, and to the promises on Mercosur.

My husband and I are raising our four sons on a family farm in Kilkenny. I want to see our family farm passed on to the next generation. I want our sons to want to stay in farming but with the income of suckler farms dropping year after year while costs continue to rise, my hopes are dwindling. We need to address the fact we are haemorrhaging farmers. On average, 1,400 farmers leave farming each year. One third of farmers are over 65. One of our biggest industries is teetering on a demographic cliff. Farmers across the State cannot sit and wait for the EU's new vision of agriculture and food to be teased out. Ireland needs to step up and become a driving force in delivering sustainable and secure farming. We need to lead the way in incentivising young men and women to continue farming and working on family farms.

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