LAST UPDATE | 11 Sep 2023

TÁNAISTE MICHEÁL MARTIN has said an impromptu meeting held with famer representative groups at today’s Fianna Fáil think-in has been “constructive” and that the Government will consider interim measures to support farmers impacted by the nitrate derogation decision.

“There are maybe things we could do to alleviate the pressures there,” Martin said, adding that it is important that water quality remains a priority. 

The Tánaiste said the word “compensation” would be “the wrong definition of this” in terms of helping impacted farmers but that the Government will look at other supports.

“Through a variety of measures we can help farmers and we will look at everything in the round again in terms of what can we do, specifically in terms of the nitrates directive, and the degree to which it impacts [farmers].

“Are there measures we can do in the interim? The word compensation would be the wrong definition of this but are there ways we can facilitate measures to organise farming in a way that reduces the impact of the nitrates decision on certain farmers who probably will bear the brunt of it?

“There may be things we can do that could alleviate the pressures there,” the Tánaiste said.

Martin said the medium-term challenge is to maintain the nitrate derogation limit at 220kg per hectare. 

“That will need all of us to work together on measures that will ensure that water quality is at a level that sustains and supports our retention of the derogation long-term. That’s really the key, medium-term, strategic objective of all of us, not just Government, but everybody involved in farming,” Martin said.

He added: “I mentioned climate earlier, we can see how climate [change] is going to play havoc with food security in the future. And that is why we need a healthy sustainable farming industry and agricultural industry. I’m very clear about that. I’ve always been consistently clear about that. And I think many, many farmers have really worked extremely hard to meet our obligations. And we respect that and acknowledge that but the challenges remain.”

Stand off

Martin agreed to meet with farmers after large crowds gathered outside the Fianna Fáil think-in in County Tipperary today.

There were tense scenes when there was a stand-off between protesters and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue.

McConalogue told the crowd: “We are doing our very best on all issues.”

IFA president Tim Cullinan said: “We’re at a point of no more negotiations until you’re willing to put the real issues back on the table.”

Shortly afterwards, Martin emerged from the Horse and Jockey Hotel, where the party conference is taking place, and agreed to meet with representative groups.

Farmers furious with delays in payments from Government as well as changes to nitrates derogation from the EU say they are not being listened to.

Banners and flags were held up during the IFA demonstration over a range of issues including frustration in relation to the EU cut in Ireland’s nitrates derogation limit and the plan to delay payments to farmers in 2023.

Speaking to The Journal, Cashel-based dairy farmer Colm Taylor said he feels “totally let down by the Government”.

He decided to join today’s protest over the controversial incoming reduction in the nitrate derogation limit which he said will squeeze out smaller farmers.

Taylor said Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue is not taking the matter “one bit seriously”.

“This Government has totally let us down. Everyone standing around here would vote Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, I can guarantee you very few of them will vote Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil next time,” he said.

Likewise, fellow dairy farmer Michael Tobin added: “We’re just trying to make payments and feed our families.”

Tobin said farmers are mindful of climate change and environmental considerations but that existing measures have not been given time to work.

“We’ve invested in 14 different measures over the last three or four years and [the Government] hasn’t given these measures a chance to work. We’re all young farmers here and we’re fighting for the future,” Tobin said.

Farmers protesting outside the Horse and Jockey in Tipperary where the Fianna Fáil think in is being held.

They say Agri Minister Charlie McConalogue is not taking the matter seriously.

‘everyone standing here would vote FG/FF, I doubt very few will vote for them next time’ pic.twitter.com/dMv82uWYCP

— Jane Matthews (@janeematthews) September 11, 2023

Laois farmer and IFA Presidential candidate Francie Gorman said the minister and his department were forcing farmers to the brink with the new rules, which he claims would force farmers to reduce their herd and acquire land to abide by the proposed increased limits.

“Farmers will not accept anything less that the nitrates decision being reversed and a total review of banding. Both of these moves combined will have a devastating impact on the smaller family farm, especially fresh milk producers,” Gorman said this morning.

Farmers making themselves known at the FF think-in in Tipperary today. Some tense scenes as crowds gather outside the hotel - Ag Minister and Micheál Martin have agreed to meet farmers delegation shortly. pic.twitter.com/6dnW28570u

— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) September 11, 2023

Cullinan said McConalogue and the Government are out of touch with farmers and rural Ireland.

“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.