Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Local Government
Period
1 Jan, 2024 to 30 Apr, 2024
Specific Details
IFA Manifesto for Local Government Elections 2024 - Horticulture and Potatoes
Intended results
To highlight that the actions in the National Horticulture Strategy must be implemented, otherwise the exodus will continue and empty supermarket shelves and/or increased dependence on imports will become the new norm. Better supports are needed and retailers must pay the cost of local sustainable production.
To propose that annual funding of €12m for the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is critical to the expansion of the sector and to meet the demand for investment.
To propose that the Government must act on the eight key strategic actions set out in the National Horticulture Strategy supporting the expansion of the Irish Horticulture sector and commit the extra resources required for research and development and advisory services.
To propose that a seasonal work permit scheme must be put in place for the sector that is fit for purpose. Ireland is one of the only European countries that does not have a bespoke seasonal permit scheme.
To propose that the use of peat needs to be retained as a substrate in the horticulture sector as there are no viable alternatives at present. Investment and research must continue to develop commercial sustainable alternatives.
To propose that currently available active ingredients for tillage/ horticulture farmers must be re-authorized for use.
To emphasise that Irish and EU growers require a level playing field whereby they are not compelled to compete with imported produce produced under environmental and regulatory controls which fall below EU standards.
To propose that the Government must ensure that the EU applies parity of treatment in licencing products with the introduction of an equivalence in standards.
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?
Yes
What is the directive you gave to the grassroots campaigners?
To seek support from Government and Local Authority Candidates for IFA 'Key Asks' in our Local Government Elections 2024 Manifesto.
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)