Huge protest today as farmers focus on Fianna Fáil "think-in" at the Horse and Jockey

The IFA protested at the Fianna Fáil ‘think-in’ in the Horse and Jockey Hotel this morning. Outside the Fianna Fáil Think in at the Horse & Jockey Hotel, Tim Cullinan IFA President vehemently delivered a strong message to Tánaiste Micheal Martin TD and Minister Charlie McConalogue Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

He spoke of the deep frustration of farmers regarding the cut in the nitrates limit and the stress of delayed payments to farmers.

He said Minister Charlie McConalogue needs to go and meet the Commissioner Sinkevicius in charge of Environment, Ocean and Fisheries and highlight the environmental measures adopted while integrating SMART farming technologies to farm sustainably.

Farmers gathering outside the Horse & Jockey Hotel, Thurles on Monday 11th September at the Fianna Fáil Think in and the protest followed last week’s picket of a meeting in Agriculture House in Dublin, which highlighted the deep frustration of farmers in relation to the cut in the nitrates limit and the Minister for Agriculture’s plan to delay payments to farmers in 2023. 

IFA President Tim Cullinan said Minister Charlie McConalogue and the Government are out of touch with farmers and rural Ireland: “This Minister is in office. but not in control of his Department. He makes announcements first and then pretends to consult with farmers later.

“Thursday’s meeting was another example of this.  It came a day after his announcement which followed a video call with the relevant EU Commissioner.

“This was a pathetic attempt on such an important issue. He needs to get on a plane and sit down with the Commissioner,” he said.

“It’s not just the delayed payments and the Nitrates Derogation cut. There are numerous other examples of the Minister’s failure to take farmers’ views on board.

“These include the design of the latest suckler scheme; issues in the sheep sector; the destruction of tillage through the CAP; the inability to draw down BAR funding; and the forestry debacle. They are all examples of a Minister who doesn’t appear to be in control,” he said.

“Every approach this Government has taken is based on an ideology of reducing production. They keep talking about schemes to support farmers, but most of it goes on compliance costs, with little or no money funding ending up with farm families,” he said. 

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, are sacrificing farmers to stay in power. We will send a strong message that farmers and rural Ireland have been completely let down by the Government parties. They them need to stand up for farmers and rural Ireland,” he concluded.

Tim Cullinan, the IFA President, is encouraging farmers and Agri-Businesses to support the protest at the Fine Gael Think in at the Strand Hotel, Limerick on Friday 15th September.