Deputy Pearse Doherty has said his party is fully committed to standing up for Irish farmers and producers amid the growing uncertainty facing the Agri sector posed by Brexit, particularly for those based in the border regions including Donegal.
The Donegal T.D. was speaking today during a visit to the Ploughing Championships at Screggan, Tullamore, in County Offaly.
As well as praising the organizers of the event, Deputy Doherty said the cuts inflicted on rural Ireland by successive governments must be reversed in order to ensure its survival.
Deputy Doherty said the Ploughing Championships continue to draw thousands of people of all ages every year to what has become one of the largest events in the agricultural calendar on this island.
“The event’s on-going and phenomenal success is down to the sheer hard work and enthusiasm of its organizers who, each year, schedule a whole host of activities which continue to lure people from every corner of Ireland.
“And while the agriculture industry itself is recognized worldwide for its excellence and the innovation displayed by its producers and all those who work within the sector, it is arguably one of the industries most exposed to the risks posed by Brexit.
“In an effort to mitigate these threats, Sinn Féin has been to the fore in arguing for an integrated agricultural administration system on the island of Ireland, which would ensure the prevention of any potential future trade barriers, including the removal of obstacles around country of origin labeling, and differing animal health regulations.
“And while Brexit remains the single greatest threat facing the industry here, the policies of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Labour down through the years have done little to ensure the sustainability of rural Ireland, and have in fact sought to weaken it.
“Cuts have hit communities, families, public services and the local economy in many rural areas, including my own county of Donegal where we can clearly see their consequences reflected in the most recent CSO census data showing a declining and ageing population here.
“Infrastructure has deteriorated affecting roads, broadband delivery and, most noticeably in recent times, flood protection. Garda stations have also been closed saving little money but leaving many elderly people living in fear.
“Gaeltacht communities have been marginalised in terms of services and facilities while the Irish language is not supported with resources and funding required to ensure its survival.
“All of this neglect has been amplified by the challenges we face as a result of Brexit, particularly on our agriculture and agri-food sectors which, if a recent report by Bord Bia is to be believed, has already cost the Irish food and drink industry €570 million in 2016.
“Now, there are very real fears that the prospect of a reinforced border will have devastating impact on farming communities, particularly on the counties that straddle that border, including Donegal.
“This is but one of the many reasons why Sinn Féin continues to argue for special designated status within the European Union for the north, as we believe that this is the only way that we can defend the agriculture industry here, and protect the livelihoods of all those who work in the agri-sector such as our farmers and producers.”
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