Latest news with #OireachtasCommitteeonAgricultureandFood
Agriland
08-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Senator Boyhan appointed to new Oireachtas Ag committee
Independent senator, Victor Boyhan, today (Thursday, May 8) confirmed that he has been appointed to the influential Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food. Senator Boyhan, who also served on the previous Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, believes there are a number of immediate challenges on the horizon for Irish agriculture as well as opportunities. One of these which is fundamental to the future of Irish agriculture is the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Senator Boyhan told Agriland that as he 'comes from a family steeped in agriculture' he understands 'the ambition farmers have for their families and their rural communities'. ' My father was a cattle dealer who was forced to leave home early, he instilled in me the strong connection to homestead, place and roots – his generation that never got opportunity to return from where they came. 'His countless stories and indeed many regrets are a constant reminder to me of lost opportunities of too many rural communities,' Senator Boyhan added. Oireachtas committee According to Senator Boyhan, he is excited about working with the new chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food, the Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North-West, Aindrias Moynihan. He also paid tribute to the chair of the previous committee, former Fianna Fáil TD, Jackie Cahill, who Senator Boyhan said had the 'ability to summarise the problem and propose a solution' and was never afraid to challenge the status quo, if necessary. According to the senator, one of the major challenges now facing Irish agriculture 'will be to consolidate and find new markets for Irish agri-exports in light of tariffs that may be pursued by the United States'. 'Clearly negotiation and a resolution to this impasse is in everyone's interest. 'I expect this issue will be a top priority for the new committee,' he added. Senator Boyhan said one of his key objectives, once the new Oireachtas committee is up and running, will be will be to 'give a voice to farmers, producers and their representative organisations'. 'The committee has access to the minister for agriculture, the ministers of state and his departmental officials. 'Holding the minister and his department to account on policy performance and governance oversight is for me the most important aspect of my work on the committee, I look forward to working collaboratively and respectfully with all stakeholders to advance the best interests of the agricultural sector,' he added.
Agriland
02-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
New Oireachtas Ag committee chair pledges to protect farmers
The new chair of the influential Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food has said his focus will be 'firmly on protecting farmers'. The Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North-West, Aindrias Moynihan, believes Ireland's agri-food sector 'is facing one of the most critical periods in its history' and he wants to ensure that the sector is supported through change. 'This is a vital time for the Irish agriculture and food sectors. These industries are the backbone of our economy and our rural communities. 'We are entering a period of significant challenge and unpredictability, both economically and geo-politically, and it is essential that our farmers and food producers are protected and supported at every level. 'Farmers are the foundation of rural Ireland, and I will work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns acted upon,' Deputy Moynihan said. Oireachtas committee According to the Cork North-West TD, one of his immediate priorities as he assumes the role of chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food will be to 'protect Irish agri-exports from the potential impact' of international developments, including any tariffs imposed by the United States, 'We must ensure that affected businesses have every opportunity to find new and alternative markets. 'While these global shifts present challenges, they also create opportunities. I believe we must act decisively to expand the presence of Irish produce in emerging international markets and to support our food sector in growing its global footprint,' Deputy Moynihan added, Aside from the external threats that the agri-food sector faces, he also believes it is important to support farmers through the 'green transition' closer to home. 'We must bring people with us during this time of change. 'That means working with farmers, not against them, to invest in sustainable technologies and new farming practices that improve environmental outcomes without undermining livelihoods,' the deputy outlined. Nitrates derogation The Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North-West has also stressed that he is 'fully committed' along with party colleagues to making the case at EU level for the retention of Ireland's nitrates derogation. He said the party will work 'constructively with farmers, industry, state agencies and local authorities to develop evidence-based solutions that help improve water quality.' The previous Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine devoted a considerable amount of its time to highlighting and debating the ongoing issue of bovine tuberculosis (TB) According to Deputy Moynihan, the new committee will also want to hear what is happening on this front. 'We cannot afford to lose focus on the continued threat of bovine TB. 'As chair, I will push for a full review and update of the National TB 2030 Eradication Strategy, in close collaboration with farmers and the wider agricultural sector. 'We must also ensure that the Wildlife Control Programme is properly staffed and that our regional veterinary offices are adequately resourced to carry out this vital work on the ground,' he said.
Irish Independent
30-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Aindrias Moynihan appointed to chair Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food
The Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West was recently appointed to lead the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Deputy Moynihan said that Ireland's agri-food sector is facing one of the most critical periods in its history. Mr Moynihan stated that his focus will be firmly on protecting farmers and ensuring the sector is supported through change. 'This is a vital time for the Irish agriculture and food sectors. These industries are the backbone of our economy and our rural communities. We are entering a period of significant challenge and unpredictability, both economically and geo-politically. It is essential that our farmers and food producers are protected and supported at every level.' An immediate priority for Deputy Moynihan in his new role will be protecting Irish agri-exports from the potential impact of international developments, including any tariffs imposed by the United States. 'We must ensure that affected businesses have every opportunity to find new and alternative markets. While these global shifts present challenges, they also create opportunities. I believe we must act decisively to expand the presence of Irish produce in emerging international markets and to support our food sector in growing its global footprint.' Deputy Moynihan also emphasised the need to support farmers through the green transition. 'We must bring people with us during this time of change. That means working with farmers, not against them, to invest in sustainable technologies and new farming practices that improve environmental outcomes without undermining livelihoods.' The Cork TD continued: 'I am fully committed to making the case at EU level for the retention of Ireland's Nitrates Derogation, recognising our unique grass-based production model. At the same time, we will work constructively with farmers, industry, state agencies and local authorities to develop evidence-based solutions that help improve water quality.' Deputy Moynihan said he will also push for a full review and update of the National TB 2030 Eradication Strategy. 'We cannot afford to lose focus on the continued threat of bovine tuberculosis (TB). I will push for a full review and update of the National TB 2030 Eradication Strategy, in close collaboration with farmers and the wider agricultural sector. 'We must also ensure that the Wildlife Control Programme is properly staffed and that our regional veterinary offices are adequately resourced to carry out this vital work on the ground,' he added. 'Farmers are the foundation of rural Ireland,' said Deputy Moynihan. 'Ireland's agriculture and food sectors are experiencing unprecedented change in how they operate and do business. I am determined to ensure that they receive the support they need and deserve. Farmers are the foundation of rural Ireland. I will work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns acted upon.'
