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Fine Gael has unveiled a comprehensive plan to back farmers and our fishing industry, focusing on fair funding, reduced red tape, and ensuring the sustainability of rural communities, John McNulty has said.
The general election candidate said: “Farmers and our fishing industry are the backbone of our economy and Fine Gael is committed to ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.
“We’ll fight for a bigger share of the EU budget to increase the CAP fund, delivering more money to farms while simplifying schemes to cut through the bureaucracy that frustrates so many.
“For beef and sheep farmers, we’ll introduce strong, straightforward payments of €300 per suckler cow and €30 per ewe, ensuring that these farms—which are vital to rural parishes in Donegal stay viable.
“For dairy-beef systems, we’ll support farmers with €100 per calf, and for tillage farmers, we’re committing €60 million annually to provide certainty and stability in this crucial sector.
“Fine Gael will produce a comprehensive farm succession plan in the first 100 days of Government, ensuring older farmers can retire with dignity and younger farmers are supported to take over.
“The nitrates derogation is essential for Irish agriculture, and Fine Gael will fight to protect it. We’ll set up a dedicated Cabinet Committee on Water Quality to drive improvements across all sectors.
“To keep the food supply chain fair, we’ll strengthen the powers of the independent Agri-Food Regulator to improve transparency and pricing. Farmers in Donegal need confidence that their hard work is valued, and Fine Gael will ensure they get a fair deal.
“For fishers, we’ll establish a dedicated Minister of State for Fisheries and publish a five-year strategy for the sector within the first 100 days of Government. This strategy will ensure that the 16,500 people working in fisheries have the representation and support they need to protect their livelihoods.
“To help farms deal with unpredictable markets, Fine Gael will advance the introduction of a farm income volatility scheme, giving farmers a safety net when prices fluctuate.
“We’ll continue to support our food producers as custodians of the land and sea, ensuring Donegal remains at the heart of Ireland’s agricultural and fishing success.
“Fine Gael is, and always has been, the party of rural Ireland. With this plan, we’ll deliver for farmers, fishers, and their families, ensuring they can continue to play their essential role in our communities,” added John, a small farmer himself.
