Cavan Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has again emphasised the importance of food security in the context of the next EU budget and funding for CAP. Deputy Brendan Smith noted that this must be prioritised during the Irish Presidency of the EU.
Speaking this week at a reception in the County Museum, Ballyjamesduff to honour the visit to Cavan of H.E. Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to Ireland, Mr. Juris Stalmeistars and H.E. Ambassador of Ireland to Latvia, Ms. Marcella Smyth, Deputy Brendan Smith noted that the issue of food security must be to the forefront of negotiations during the Irish EU Presidency.
“Within the Multi-Annual Financial Framework which provides the budget for EU programmes, the proposal by the European Commission in respect of CAP is totally inadequate.
“The Common Agricultural Policy was the first common policy of the European Union. By and large it has been very successful. Its aim has been to ensure a secure supply of safe food for the citizens of Europe. There are many challenges for our farming sector, for our food sector and also for our rural communities, and there will be huge challenges ahead as well. Under no circumstances can Ireland tolerate or countenance a reduction in CAP funding.
“As we hold the EU Presidency Ireland must very strongly advocate to ensure that we have a properly and adequately funded CAP post 2027 which is critical for our country. Food security is a particular priority in times of war and unfortunately we are dealing with an ongoing war on our continent. It is vital that we continue to strengthen Ireland’s agricultural sector, supporting farmers and maintaining our country’s capacity to produce food.
“I warmly welcome the visit of Ambassador Stalmeistars and Ambassador Smyth to Cavan and they outlined clearly the opportunities to strengthen Ireland/Latvian bilateral relations through increased trade, business and political links. Ambassador Marcella Smyth, who is a native of Mountnugent, had particularly interesting insights regarding the future opportunities for both our nations to collaborate and work together. It was very beneficial for all of us to hear the views of Ambassador Smyth on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Ireland while hosting the EU Presidency taking into account her vast and valuable experience representing our country abroad including in the USA and in other Member States of the European Union.” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.
