Gildernew addresses Ulster Farmers' Union AGM

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MLA was a keynote speaker at today’s UFU annual general meeting in CAFRE, Loughry Campus, Cookstown.

The Minister’s speech touched on a range of important issues including the forthcoming EU negotiations on the future of the CAP after 2013.

During her address, the Minister said: "The EU Commissioner had recently launched a debate on this topic and I am aware that the Ulster Farmers’ Union has been doing a lot of thinking on this subject.

"The major issues at stake in the CAP reform negotiations will be the size of the CAP budget and how it will be distributed to Member States, regions and farmers. Clearly there is the potential for re-distribution of funds between Member States and farmers which will have to be carefully considered as the negotiations proceed. Other issues which will be addressed include dealing with increased price volatility and achieving further CAP simplification."

She added: "DARD will be consulting formally on the Commission’s proposals in due course and I certainly will be very keen to hear the views of stakeholders on these matters."

The Minister also discussed support for Less Favoured Areas (LFA), confirming that proposals are currently being developed for a revised LFA support mechanism. This will be subject to competing priorities and affordability issues.

In conclusion, the Minister said: "I wish to thank the UFU for inviting me to address their annual conference today at this key time for the local agri-food sector. I would also like to thank outgoing President Graham Furey for his constructive engagement with my Department and me during his term in office and the outgoing UFU Board. I look forward to maintaining this good working relationship with his successor, when they are chosen.

"The UFU make a tremendous contribution to protecting the quality of life for local farming families and are part of the fabric of northern rural life."

Notes to editors:

1. Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MLA today gave the keynote address to members of the Ulster Farmers’ Union at their annual general meeting.
2. Other speakers at the event included former IFA President Padraig Walshe, now President of COPA.
3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.