Noel O'Donovan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. I broadly welcome the cross-party support for the motion. The essence of it is to highlight the positive impact that agriculture has within our communities but also the issues the sector is facing.

Agriculture is the lifeblood of many rural communities across the country, including those in west Cork. It is not only the foundation of our local economy; it is also the thread that holds our culture, environment and way of life together. For generations, farming has provided livelihoods, supported local businesses, sustained schools and kept our villages vibrant. Without a strong agriculture sector, the very fabric of rural life begins to fray. As has been stated, this debate is not just about the negatives, although there are challenges facing the industry, including rising input costs, market uncertainty and an increasing number of environmental obligations. West Cork is home to some of the best grassland in Europe. This has enabled family farms, particularly does specialising in dairying and livestock, to thrive. However, that productivity depends on a balance between producing food sustainably while protecting our water, soil and biodiversity.

As has been mentioned by a number of my colleagues, including Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony, derogation is really important to Cork. Permission from Europe for it to continue is vital. Derogation is important because it allows farmers, operating under strict environmental controls, to make the best use of our grass-based system. Without it, many family farms would be forced to cut stock numbers drastically. This would threaten farm viability and jobs in local co-ops, transport and agri-services, and weaken the very backbone of the rural economy. Losing it would not just hurt farmers; it would ripple out to every shop, school and community hall in west Cork. I thank the Minister for visiting west Cork, particularly Timoleague, in recent months. I take this opportunity to note the presence of Councillor John Michael Foley in the Chamber.

The Government sees the importance of derogation and is listening. It is important that we retain our derogation, but it will not be easy. Europe must listen. As has been mentioned, our grass-based system is unique. I am delighted to hear that the Commissioner has been invited to visit Ireland. I hope she visits west Cork to see the operation of the farms there.

Retaining the derogation is not about ignoring the environment; it is about working with it. Farmers here are already investing in low-emission slurry spreading, better soil management and protecting watercourses. With continued support, innovation and partnership, we can ensure that west Cork remains both a world-class food producer and a region of natural beauty. A point that is not often made in the debate on derogation is that derogation farmers are actually improving their environment. Through the methods, practices and policies they are implementing, they are improving the environment in terms of reducing emissions and improving water quality. That point needs to be made. We, as public representatives, have a job to do in this regard. At times there is a divide between the rural and the urban in terms of the blame attached to the agricultural community. We need to rule that out, speak against it and explain where our food comes from. We must also explain the importance, as has been mentioned, of generational renewal. We need to attract young people to this sector. It is our job, as public representatives, to explain the facts and why retaining derogation is supporting our farm businesses but is also improving efficiencies.

Agriculture is not just another sector for west Cork, it is part of our identity, our future, and our community. Retaining the nitrates derogation is essential if we are to keep family farms viable, protect jobs and sustain the rural way of life that makes this part of Ireland so unique.