Don't blow opportunity for compensation -Allister
29 January 2009
Jim Allister MEP has urged the Executive not to miss the opportunity to secure EU funding for a comprehensive compensation package to cover losses suffered by the agri-food industry by the recent dioxin scare.
The MEP said,
“The Northern Ireland pork industry, and a small number of beef farmers have incurred substantial losses as a result of the dioxin situation in the Republic of Ireland. While their counterparts in the Republic have received Government backing for a compensation scheme to meet costs incurred, there has yet to be any corresponding efforts on the part of the Northern Ireland Executive to benefit the local agri-food industry.”
“I have been informed by the European Agriculture Commissioner that 50% EU co-funding for a Northern Ireland compensation scheme will be made available, if the Northern Ireland authorities are prepared to ask for it, and of course come up with the necessary match funding. It is also my understanding that there will only be one opportunity to apply for EU funds for compensation, while such a scheme would have to accompany the application currently being devised for EU co-financing for a cull scheme.”
“Clearly, time is running out for the Executive to act –we have pork processors which have incurred huge losses, and which could prove impossible to absorb without Government intervention. Furthermore, there remain a small number of beef farmers who it would seem have nowhere else to go for help. I trust all efforts will be made to retain vital jobs that could be at risk within our important agri-food sector. ”
ENDS
