Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
EU Affairs
Period
1 Jan, 2024 to 30 Apr, 2024
Specific Details
Recognition for Farmers' Contribution to Society
Intended results
To highlight that the role and contribution of Irish and European farmers and food production to society is increasingly being de-valued, including amongst our elected representatives.
To highlight that there is a diminished intergenerational connectivity with farming, a lack of empathy or true understanding of the realities and challenges at farm level. Here, in Ireland we have an industry and model of production the envy of Europe and beyond.
To highlight that the Irish agri-food industry, mainly due to hard work, dedication and commitment of farm families, has Ireland among the most food secure and sustainable nations globally.
- The Irish agriculture system represents the foundation stone on which economic activity and employment revolve around in many towns, villages and surrounds in rural Ireland.
- The agri-food sector was instrumental in pulling the Irish economy out of deep recession after 2008, but enjoyed limited benefits itself. There has been a clear and obvious reduction in farmers share of the value chain with their purchasing power, and that of rural areas considerable below that of urban dwellers.
To highlight what must be paramount, when constraints are put on Irish production and/or international trade deals are negotiated, that in the context of increasing demand for food, due to projected population growth, Irish farming is a world leader in grass-based food production and is a highly emission-efficient, sustainable food production model.
To highlight that the geo-strategic importance of the agricultural sector cannot be overlooked, farmers put food on the table and ensure food security for 450 million European citizens and contribute also to global food security.
To propose that the Union's promotion policy, used to increase awareness of the qualities of EU agricultural and food products (across all sectors), must be funded by a strong budget.
To propose that the European Union undertake a strategic and co-ordinated positive communication campaign, across multiple media, to better profile all the positive externalities agriculture brings to food security; the survival and vitality of all other sectors of the economy; rural communities and development; environment and social sphere etc.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Francie Gorman IFA President, Damian McDonald IFA Director General, Tadhg Buckley IFA Director of Policy and Chief Economist, Elaine Farrell IFA Director of Governance & Oireachtas Engagement
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Mass communications
Submission All Senators
Letter All Senators
Submission All TDs
Letter All TDs
Submission All MEPs
Letter All MEPs
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Informal communication (6-10)
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Darragh O'Brien
Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)
James Browne
Minister of State (Department of Justice)
Joe O'Brien
Minister of State (Department of Social Protection)
Michael McGrath
Minister (Department of Finance)
Micheál Martin
Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)
Roderic O'Gorman
Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)
Malcolm Noonan
Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)