Gildernew addresses assembly committee

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew today made her first address to the Agriculture Committee.

Speaking to Committee members at Parliament Buildings, the Minister said: “I welcome the opportunity today to share with you my priorities and update you on key issues. There are significant challenges but I believe that we will make more of an impact to improve things for rural dwellers, if we work together on areas of mutual interest.”

Ms Gildernew went on to update the Committee on current issues. In relation to the farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) she told Committee members that she needed their support to secure the necessary funding for the farming industry to comply with the Nitrates Directive and deliver water quality improvements. She added: “I think we have a common cause here. However, I must stress that this is not a done deal. We have more work to do if we are to come up with the necessary funding.”

She also said that she intended to announce her decision on the rates of Voluntary Modulation by way of a statement to the Assembly on 11 June: “This is a difficult decision that will need to strike a balance between the pressures on farmers and the need to move rural areas forward with a balanced Rural Development Programme,” she said.

In relation to regulations, the Minister said that DARD and DOE were working together to agree a review of regulation and that she hoped to have a final report before the end of the year.

Ms Gildernew said that she was considering what could be done to speed-up processing of the Single Farm Payment. She said: “As I said in yesterday’s Assembly debate, I have a number of ideas for the Commissioner which would make things simpler. However, farmers can help too by advising us of change to their maps and ensuring that they do not claim on ineligible land.

“A quick check now may avoid a delay in payment and that’s why I have offered farmers an opportunity to correct their farm maps and 2007 Single Applications. Additional DARD counter staff will also be available from 10-26 June to help farmers sort out their maps.”

In conclusion, the Minister said: “I look forward to a productive relationship with the Agriculture Committee. I know that we share a commitment to improving the prospects of all rural dwellers by our collective efforts.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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