New Rural Development Programme is a great deal for agri-food sector – McEntee

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has said that the new draft Rural Development Programme (RDP), as announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD, is a great outcome for the agri-food sector. Deputy McEntee added that Minister Coveney has managed to secure €1 billion more in funding than had been expected.

“Minister Coveney has managed to secure more than €12 billion in funding for the agri-food sector between now and 2020, which is a clear signal of the Government’s commitment to growing and supporting the industry. A total of €8.5 billion will be paid in direct payments, which works out at over €1 billion a year for the next seven years.

“National funding of €1.9 billion will be added to €2.2 billion of European funding already secured for expenditure on rural development. This is a very considerable sum; broken down on a yearly basis it means that funding will increase from €405 million to €560 million over the next seven years. This is an incredible increase and all farmers will benefit from it.

“As part of reforms in the way we fund farming, the Government will be implementing the partial convergence model, with all entitlements will be valued at 60% of the national average. This means the direct payments system will be a lot fairer and there will be capping of payments per hectare of €700. This will be spread across the next seven years, so farmers will not have to fact drastic changes.

“The Young Farmers Scheme will assist young farmers in the initial stages of establishing a farming enterprise in their own name. I have no doubt this will be welcomed by current and aspiring young farmers across the country. It is crucial that we continue to encourage people to enter the agri-food sector.

“A total of €52 million has been earmarked for the new Beef Data Genomics Scheme, where we will see an increase of €60 per calf. Ireland will also be the first country in the world to have a beef database linked to performance. This will give a much needed boost to beef and suckler beef farmers. There are also further supports for dairy farmers, the arable sector, and pig and poultry farmers.

“I was also delighted to see that the Artisan food industry will benefit under the RDP. Artisan food producers hoping to start their own businesses will be able to apply for a set up support fund of up to €3,000. We have an amazing food industry here in Meath and a great drive for Artisan foods. This small start-up fun will be a boost for local based Artisan producers in Meath.”