Allister welcomes Fischer-Boel to Northern Ireland
04 May 2007
European MP Jim Allister has welcomed the visit of the EU Agriculture Commissioner to Northern Ireland. Jim Allister believes that it is good for Fischer-Boel to hear first hand from farmers the difficulties facing the industry.
Jim Allister commented. “This week, the EU Farm Commissioner heard directly from Northern Ireland farmers the problems facing the agricultural industry. This visit allowed farmers the opportunity to explain how EU rules and regulations were impacting on the agri-food industry within Northern Ireland. It also gave the agricultural sector the opportunity to hear from the Commissioner her thoughts about how EU policies will change in the future.
“Currently the European Union has a cheap food policy rather than a policy for supporting a profitable EU agricultural sector. This policy is reliant on other regions of the World being able to supply the European Union with products such as grain and beef. I believe that the EU must however change this policy and become more self sufficient in producing its own food.
“The EU Commissioner did signal that there may be some changes to EU policy in the CAP health check next year. It is vital that the Commission make changes to the rules that will reduce bureaucracy associated with the Single Payment Scheme and secure payments beyond 2013.”
