Cllr Christy O'Sullivan
Fianna Fáil sets out Next Steps Forward for West Cork’s farmers - O'Sullivan
23 April, 2007
Fianna Fáil will help farming communities in West Cork by supporting higher-value products, secure markets and fair competition over the coming five years, according to local Dáil candidate Cllr Christy O'Sullivan.
Cllr O'Sullivan was speaking following the launch of Fianna Fáil’s agriculture policy – The Next Steps Forward for Farming Communities.
‘The plan, launched by my Fianna Fáil colleague, Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan TD, sets out details of proposals covering all aspects of farming and the food industry.
‘Fianna Fáil believes that farming requires further sustained support at a time of great change.
‘We’re committed to ensuring that farmers’ interests remain a core priority for the next government.
‘The Taoiseach was the only party leader to mention farmers in an Ard Fheis speech this year.
‘Meanwhile, Labour’s recent comments on their hill-walking legislation showed that the alternative government doesn’t believe farmers should be consulted on matters that directly affect them.
‘Our plan outlines a range of commitments, including support for the development of higher-value products with more secure markets, the extension of country of origin labelling, a strong position on EU and WTO negotiations and the improvement of a range of schemes designed to give farmers the freedom to farm as they decide.
‘The full cost of all of the commitments in the plan have been provided for in the economic framework published by Fianna Fáil last week.
‘Our farm families, our rural and coastal communities are the heart and soul of Ireland.
‘Our Next Steps Forward for farming communities will invest in new products, new markets and upgrading our food industry.
‘We’ll oppose any efforts to restrict the live export of animals.
‘We’ll work in Brussels to improve the fairness of inspections and reduce red tape.
‘We believe in a future where rural people can choose to stay in their own communities,’ said Cllr O'Sullivan.