Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to refer to a crucial decision that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine must make about the basic payment system. Under the Common Agricultural Policy, as we know, he was successful in that we have maintained a certain level of discretion that allows us to make our own call on the level of convergence. It is important that we continue to support the productive farmers in this country. I do not believe that we should go beyond a rate of 85% convergence. Even if we moved to a rate of 85% many farmers would lose out and that includes many small farmers simply because they have high entitlement values. We can see the value of food production in this country, so it is important that we protect the farm families where there is productivity.

Now is a really difficult time for agriculture. The work is challenging and farmers will be at the front line in the battle against climate change. Farmers are committed to sustainability but they want not just sustainability from an environmental perspective but that family farms are financially sustainable. When the Minister met the representatives of the Wexford branch of the Irish Farmers Association, they made a number of constructive proposals under Pillar II. There has been much discussion, and I tabled a Commencement matter in this House, on how we can support young farmers. It is a real concern that only 5% of the people involved in farming are under the age of 35. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the future of farming, food production and ways to ensure the sustainability of farming not just environmentally, which is critical, but also that there is financial sustainability for family farms.