European Commission proposes Ireland receive 25% of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve
Continuation of Calf Investment Scheme under TAMS welcome news for farmers
The Agri-food sector must benefit significantly from new proposed Brexit funding, a Fine Gael Senator has said. The European Commission has proposed an initial allocation for Ireland of €1.05 billion, almost a quarter of the initial allocation of €4.2 billion that will be made from the Reserve in 2021.
Senator John Cummins said, “The European Commission proposal that Ireland, a country with just 3% of the EU population and one of twenty-seven states should receive 25% of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve is very a very welcome and timely acknowledgement of the significant impact of Brexit on Ireland.
“The fund is designed to provide financial support to the member states and sectors most adversely affected by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and there is no doubt in my mind that the agri-food sector here in Ireland is the most adversely affected sector.
“Not only is it one of the sectors most disadvantaged by Brexit, but it is also a sector with significant potential to contribute towards Ireland’s recovery as we respond to the damage done to our economy during COVID-19. The agri-food sector has been able to keep producing and exporting despite the many challenges of this difficult period and one must not forget it was a sector that contributed significantly to our economic recovery after the crash of 2008.
Senator Cummins added “Waterford is a county that has a very strong agricultural sector which contributes considerably to the national agricultural output. Therefore I strongly hope that the European Parliament and the Council approve this proposed funding of €1.05 billion for Ireland. I have spoken with my colleague Minister Heydon and stressed the importance of the agri-food sector and in particular primary producers being given top priority when it comes to the distribution of this funding. Agriculture has the potential to make an increased contribution to national economic recovery and I know that Waterford farmers can be the forefront of this effort.”
Meanwhile, Senator Cummins also welcomed the positive news that the Calf Investment Scheme under the TAMS programme is to be continued. “I understand 2500 farmers applied for the scheme last year and it probably would have been more if more time was given, but the fact it will now continue under a new guise is very welcome because it is a valuable programme that delivers practical measures for farmers”.