Fine Gael conference to hear views on Agriculture and Rural Development

Fine Gael will host a special conference to address the key challenges facing rural Ireland and the agriculture sector in Kildare next week.

Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris will be joined by Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, Business Minister Peter Burke, members of the parliamentary party and Fine Gael members to discuss a broad range of issues, with a strong emphasis on the party’s commitment to delivering for rural communities.

The conference will take place at the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co. Kildare on Saturday, November 15^th.

Topics on the agenda include strengthening support for rural Ireland, tackling agricultural challenges, creating incentives for young farmers to continue the family farming traditions, and examining the impact of tariffs, transport costs and broader business expenses.

Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said: “Fine Gael has always been the party that stands up for farmers and rural communities.

“With unprecedented challenges facing our agricultural sector, it’s vital that Fine Gael now redoubles our efforts in support of farming communities.

“This conference is a vital opportunity for Fine Gael to listen to our farmers and key stakeholders, as well as to set out our plans to protect farming incomes and to ensure Rural Ireland has a thriving future.”

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said: “Irish agriculture’s premium positioning of its food and drink products on the global market is testament to the dedication of the 133,000 farm families and over 2,000 food and drink businesses.

“Whilst there are global uncertainties currently around the global trading landscape, I am confident that our agri food sector will rise to these challenges as they have always done.

“I have had a very busy first year as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine as we maintain the strong sustainability of the rural economy in Ireland. I have put in place a strong plan to deal with TB in this country, we are working on attracting the next generation of farmers which is crucial to securing the future of Irish agriculture, liaising with the EU Commission on the retention of the nitrates derogation as well as planning for the future of the next CAP.

“Both the Fine Gael party and I won’t be found wanting in standing up shoulder to shoulder with farmers in supporting the current and next generation living and working in rural Ireland.”

Eddie Downey, chair of the Fine Gael Agricultural, Rural and Food Forum said: “With three main issues coming down the track for the agricultural sector: Mercursor, nitrates and the Presidency of the EU, it is essential that we put agriculture and rural Ireland at the forefront of the agenda, to ensure that farming families are supported.”

Registration is open at http://events.finegael.ie/