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."
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