Gildernew outlines partnership approach at Balmoral show

Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew MLA, has outlined her vision for farming and rural development.

During her address at the traditional Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) breakfast at the Balmoral Show, the Minister emphasised the importance of building confidence in the farming industry and addressing the needs of rural communities.

In her opening address to an audience of key stakeholders and industry leaders, Michelle Gildernew said: "I took up this position only a few weeks ago and the Balmoral Show is an excellent early opportunity for me to support our best known agricultural show. I spent the day here yesterday and it’s great to see so many people enjoying a family day out and seeing for themselves farming in all its different dimensions.”

The Minister outlined her five business priorities:

• reducing agricultural bureaucracy;
• developing an all island animal health and welfare strategy;
• seeking the free movement of animals within the island of Ireland;
• providing timely financial support to farming businesses;
• being an effective rural champion.

She spoke of a shared responsibility between government and the agricultural and rural industry: “I have met with our key stakeholders, I know very well their concerns and I know that we can only make progress if we work together. I am looking for real partnership, a well argued and common approach.”

Referring to regulation and bureaucracy, the Minister said: “I am arranging a meeting with Arlene Foster, DOE Minister, to seek her agreement to proceed with an independent review of the regulations and bureaucracy which both our departments apply to the farming industry.”

The Minister said that she wanted to raise the concerns of industry at an early Executive meeting, particularly the issue of funding for Farm Nutrient Management. Separately, she plans to meet Conor Murphy and Arlene Foster to put forward the views of rural dwellers about PPS14.

Ms Gildernew said that while simplification and better regulation is an EU- wide issue, that at a local level, DARD was mindful of improving its customer service. She referred to the DARD Direct pilot at Enniskillen as a good example of a new one-stop-shop approach and one which she hoped could be rolled-out across the region.

“We know that there are concerns about getting the Single Farm Payment out to farmers on time. I understand that this payment is critical to the income and cash flow of the majority of farmers. One of the ways we are speeding up this process is that we won’t be pursuing very small debts. In the past we pursued anything over £10, now we won’t pursue anything under £65 after 2005.

“This will mean fewer debts holding up full payment. But please farmers, help us to help you. Queries on a claim can mean delays and that is something which most businesses simply can’t afford.”

She explained that European rules required the number of farm inspections to increase this year, due to a large number of field variances. This had resulted in payment delays. In an appeal to farmers, she said: “Please check your farm maps, so that we can get on top of this problem and achieve what you and I want – a quick payment schedule and the minimum number of inspections.”

Another priority will be to meet her new southern counterpart, once the southern elections are concluded: “I want to meet the new Minister to discuss how we can move towards the free movement of animals within the island of Ireland and develop an all-island health and welfare strategy. The two go hand in hand.”

The Minister paid tribute both to the generations of farmers for the way they have looked after the countryside but also to those who are adjusting to new opportunities, such as bio crops.

In relation to the agri-food industry, Ms Gildernew said that she will be a willing champion of the great quality produce on offer and will be seeking an early meeting with the Food Strategy Implementation Partnership and the DETI Minister, Nigel Dodds, to discuss how best to build on the current momentum in realising the potential of the food processing sector.

She explained that she would visit Washington next week to promote local food and would also be meeting with a range of trade and government contacts: “I’m delighted that we have this early opportunity to promote local food and talent and to encourage local producers to consider the US market. I will, as much as I can during my short trip, build a good working relationship with our American partners and explore possibilities for local producers.”

Turning to rural development, she said: “I am determined to be a rural champion for all those living in rural communities. The new rural development programme has a healthy level of investment to build upon but rural development is not just about money.

“It’s about opening up a dialogue with people who live, work and raise families in rural communities. I want to bring decision making into the heart of these communities. We need a cohesive executive approach, where the future of our rural communities is given the priority it deserves.”

In conclusion, the Minister told her audience: “In common with everyone in this room, I want to build a vibrant, confident, outward-looking rural society. We can only achieve that if we work in partnership. You now have your own local Minister; I am committed to working on your behalf and with you, for a better deal for all rural dwellers.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Guests attending this event were given the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to Marie Curie Cancer Care.
2. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619.