Independent Ireland Unveils Ambitious Agricultural Policy Led by TD Michael Fitzmaurice
Independent Ireland Unveils Ambitious Agricultural Policy Led by TD Michael Fitzmaurice
Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice today announced the party's comprehensive agricultural policy, the policy, spearheaded by TD Michael Fitzmaurice, promises a commitment to strengthen the backbone of rural Ireland—farming and fishing industries. The policy includes €1 billion in additional funding for agriculture and the creation of a dedicated Minister for Fisheries, reflecting the party's determination to protect Ireland's farmers and fishermen while ensuring long-term sustainability and economic vitality.
Speaking at the announcement of the policy, Michael Fitzmaurice TD stated, “This policy is about protecting our way of life. Farmers and fishermen are the backbone of rural Ireland, and it’s time we start to properly invest in and support these industries, they are tired of being blamed for climate change and we must give them the support they deserve. Our €1 billion investment and a wide number of common sense measures are about ensuring that Ireland’s agriculture and fisheries thrive for generations to come.”
The policy highlights include:
€1 billion in additional funding for agriculture to support farmers in adopting new technologies, improving efficiency, and sustaining their livelihoods.
Dedicated Minister for Fisheries to focus on maritime issues and Ireland’s territorial waters, ensuring Irish fishermen have a strong voice at the Cabinet table.
No forced re-wetting of lands, ensuring farmers are not penalised under the Nature Restoration Laws
Introduce yellow-card scheme for farm inspections and implement 21-day notice before farm inspections (excluding animal welfare checks);
Provide for a farm retirement scheme with a proposed budget of €300 million to facilitate the transfer of 20,000 to 30,000 farms to younger farmers;
SCEP 2 scheme to support suckler farming, raising subsidies up to €300 per cow and calf, helping over 20,000 farmers nationwide.
Oppose any mandatory cull of the national herd
Increased quotas for Irish fishing vessels and investment in deep-sea ports to expand the fishing industry and reduce congestion in Dublin ports.
Michael Collins TD, Leader of Independent Ireland, endorsed the policy, stating, “This is a real solution for rural Ireland. Our farmers and fishermen deserve policies that work for them, not against them. This plan will protect their livelihoods and ensure their future prosperity.”
General Secretary Richard O’Donoghue TD echoed these sentiments: “We need policies that make sense, policies that allow rural Ireland to thrive. Independent Ireland’s policy on agricultural and fisheries does exactly that by fighting for farmers and ensuring no one is left behind.”
The policy also addresses key environmental and infrastructure needs, such as:
Removal of carbon tax on marked gas oil for agricultural contractors.
Farm retirement scheme with a €300 million budget to facilitate the transfer of farms to younger farmers.
Taxation and zoning benefits for rural areas impacted by the decline of traditional industries, ensuring economic sustainability.
VAT reimbursement for dairy farmers on fixed milk tanks, calf feeders and mobile or fixed slurry cleaning equipment.
Rural planning reforms to streamline housing and development in agricultural areas.
Create a €200 million rainy fund for all agricultural sectors to protect farmers in the case of serious adverse weather or emergencies affecting crops;
Fitzmaurice concluded, “Our agricultural policy is about fairness, sustainability, and growth. Farmers and fishermen are the guardians of our land and waters, and it’s time we support them with common-sense solutions that secure the future of rural Ireland.”
Policy is available for download here: www.independentireland.ie/agriculture
