Speaking following
the recent SDLP Agriculture Conference held in West Tyrone, SDLP Derg election
candidate, Marie Ash said; “Strengthening North-South relations and having a
stronger voice in Europe is crucial to the development and growth of the
agri-food industry across Northern Ireland.
Mrs Ash said an all island approach is the only logical way forward for
the industry which, across Ireland contributes an annual output approaching €24
billion and directly employs over 150,000 people. It is our largest indigenous
employment sector. We must deliver an environment where producers can flourish
and where consumers can have confidence.”
Mrs Ash said: “The NI Executive must work with similar ambition as the
Irish Government regarding support for agriculture and make more effort to work
towards an all-island approach. When we have difficult issues, such as the
recent nomad cattle matter, it is important that we work together to resolve
them to ensure that these cattle aren’t wasted and that revenue is
protected.”
Mrs Ash added: “Local
producers and companies across West Tyrone, in my local area of Castlederg and
across the North need our support as we move into an era where local concerns
meet global challenges head on. We have a responsibility and need to work
together across the island of Ireland and in Europe to face these challenges.
If we do, we can have an agri-food industry that is global in reach and
aspiration, but never loses sight of the local environment and culture in which
it is embedded.”
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