Ash attends SDLP Agricultural Conference

Local Derg SDLP candidate Marie Ash attended the party's 3rd Annual Agriculture Conference held last Thursday at Kelly's Inn, Omagh, the most successful to date.

During the conference, SDLP Agriculture spokesperson Joe Byrne MLA announced that the SDLP are in favour of a single zone region for CAP Pillar 1, and a four year transition period to achieve a single flat rate payment across Northern Ireland.

"The key factors influencing this decision are the principle of fairness and equality, the sustaining and development of family farm based rural communities, and a sensible period of four years to allow for necessary adjustment,".

"This has been a major consultation exercise, and the SDLP believe that the sooner the Minister for Agriculture Michelle O'Neill concludes this issue, the better for all concerned in the farming sector."

"There has been too much uncertainty and confusion allowed to grow since the debacle over the Pillar 1/Pillar 2 transfer at the end of 2013 which is adding to the anxiety surrounding the CAP Pillar 1 issue."

Mrs Ash stated "I have many close family members involved in the farming business and I know many farmers are struggling due to the incompetence shown by DARD and Minister O'Neill. The SDLP have shown leadership on Agricultural, and will continue to support farmers in our communities."