Lakeland Dairies met with Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon TD to discuss issues affecting its farm families, including the imperative of retaining the Nitrates Derogation, the need for greater action on TB, and the importance of encouraging more young people into farming.
Lakeland Dairies’ Chairperson Niall Matthews thanked Minister Heydon for the meeting and committed to working with his on these critical topics.
Commenting after the meeting, Niall Matthews said:
“We are grateful to Minister Heydon for meeting with us and for listening carefully to the concerns of our farming community,
“In terms of water quality, the wind is at our back and we are making great progress as an industry. The recent positive EPA results show that Irish farmers are stepping up and playing a leadership role in protecting and improving water quality. Initiatives such as the €60m Farming for Water EIP are game changers for our sector but we cannot be complacent and must continue our great momentum.
“Retaining the Nitrates Derogation is vital and of national importance. The dairy industry is a cornerstone of regional economic activity across Ireland. If we are to continue leading as an economic powerhouse in rural communities, the Derogation must be preserved.
“Lakeland Dairies called for a coordinated, cross-departmental strategy ahead of the formation of the current Programme for Government, and we are pleased to see the first meeting of the new Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Nitrates Action Programme taking place this week. This is real, tangible leadership and we welcome this.”
Regarding TB, Mr Matthews acknowledged the seriousness with which the Minister is treating the matter but urged that more needs to be done: “A TB breakdown causes immense emotional and financial distress to farm families. We must take bold and brave steps to reduce incidence rates, not only for the welfare of our farmers but for the continued strength of our agri-food export industry.”
Finally, Mr Matthews reiterated Lakeland Dairies’ commitment to supporting the next generation of farmers. “We will back any and all measures aimed at encouraging young people into dairy farming. It is an exciting and rewarding career that plays a key role in delivering safe, nutritious and sustainable food to consumers across the globe all the while witnessing the cycle of life everyday. We need talented, committed and skilled young farmers for our rewarding industry to ensure that we continue to be world leaders in what we do.”