-FF will restore respect and fairness for farm families-

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, says Fianna Fáil are committed to implementing an Independent Agriculture Appeals Review Panel (IAARP).

The IAARP is one of many measures within the Fianna Fáil Agriculture policy proposals if leading the next government.

He commented, “If elected to government we will amend the 2001 Agriculture Appeals Act to set up an Appeals Review Panel. This will be done early in any new administration. This is vital in order to restore farmers’ confidence in the appeals system and ensure cases will be dealt with fairly.

“This was long promised under Fine Gael but never implemented. This is just one of many promises under the outing government that they have failed to deliver for farmers.

“We are committed to reforming and simplifying the existing suckler scheme and ensure a €200 per head payment on the first 20 suckler cows.

“Fianna Fáil will increase resources to the market access unit, expand farm assist, establish a National Food Ombudsman, and in Europe defend CAP funding and ensure sustainable farm incomes.

“A strong Agri-Food sector is crucial. We are committed to a number of policies to boost this most important sector. We will deliver policies that will protect the 137, 500 family farms across the country and secure a fair price for the primary producer,” concluded Deputy Smith.