O’Neill outlines priorities for year ahead

CAP reform, further growth of the agri-food sector, TB/BR eradication, the publication of the Rural White paper will be key areas of work for 2012.
~ Thursday, 29 December 2011

That was the message from Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill as she outlined her priorities for 2012.

The Minister said that she intended to use every avenue available to achieve the best possible outcome for the north of Ireland in the CAP negotiations: “While we have a formal set of proposals from the Commission, I must stress that they are precisely that - proposals - and the final agreement may look significantly different. In 2012 I will continue to meet with the EU Commission, MEPs, Defra Ministers and the devolved Ministers in Scotland and Wales. CAP reform will continue to be discussed at North South Ministerial Council meetings and I will be working closely with Minister Simon Coveney TD. I will also be continuing to listen closely to the views of stakeholders during 2012 and together we will work to achieve a good outcome on CAP reform.

“During 2012 discussions will also continue on Common Fisheries Policy reform where I am looking in particular for more clarity on regionalisation of fisheries management.”

The Minister outlined how the New Year provides an opportunity for her Department and farmers to work together to reduce the financial corrections that are being imposed upon us by the European Commission. She said: “As my Department issues new maps with eligible areas marked on them for the first time, many farmers will find that these maps need to be corrected. This farmer input is vital and those affected will need to let the Department know what corrections are needed and why. By engaging actively in this important exercise together we can protect the valuable Single Farm Payment we receive annually and ensure that resources remain concentrated on farming and rural life, rather than having to be used to meet future disallowance.”

On animal disease the Minister said: “We continue to make significant progress in our fight to eradicate Brucellosis and we hope to finally stamp out any remaining infection. Early eradication here is a real prospect. The co-operation of farmers has been vital in getting us to the good place we are in now.

“I shall also wish to see further progress in reducing TB incidence in cattle here. We will continue to engage with industry and wider stakeholders to identify what more can be done to further reduce and ultimately to eradicate TB in cattle here. We need well informed and evidence based strategies to address both the issue of cattle to cattle spread and the wildlife issue.”

Outlining the importance of the local agri-food sector Minister O’Neill said: “The recent draft Programme for Government target for the agri food sector demonstrates how the Executive now recognises the importance of the sector to the wider economy. The sector has performed very well throughout 2011 and I believe that it can continue to grow further throughout 2012. The key is, of course, to grasp the opportunities that lie ahead. In this regard the work of the industry led Food Strategy Board will be instrumental in reaching a shared plan for export-driven growth.”

In 2012 the Rural White Paper will be published which is designed to improve the quality of life of everyone in the countryside. The Minister explained: “The Rural White Paper Action Plan is the first cross-cutting initiative in the north which focuses entirely on rural areas. It will address issues such as improvements to transport and broadband services, support for rural businesses and measures to help address poverty and support the most vulnerable in rural areas. I hope to bring the final document to the Executive for formal approval early in 2012.

“I also recently announced a refocus of rural development spend in key projects to benefit both rural dwellers and businesses. The Local Action Groups are currently scoping a number of project proposals and I look forward to receiving these in the coming months.”

The Minister reported that work is progressing well on advancing the relocation of DARD Headquarters to a rural location. She said: “The Strategic Outline Case setting out the future accommodation needs of DARD's HQ has been submitted to DFP. The Relocation programme has also been included in the Executive's draft Programme for Government. The current HQ buildings are reaching the end of their useful lives. This presents us with an opportunity to relocate high quality public sector jobs to a rural area outside of Belfast which will bring with it the related economic and social benefits.”

In conclusion the Minister said: “I am optimistic about the future and that we can bring about significant progress in the coming year. I remain committed to doing whatever I can as DARD Minister to improve the lives of all rural dwellers. It is my hope that the economic recovery that we are all waiting on will bear fruit in 2012.

“I wish you and your families a peaceful and prosperous New Year.”

Notes to editors:

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