Member of the European Parliament, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan
In a few days time, the people of the Midlands North West have an important choice to make on who they want to represent them in the European Parliament.
I commit to represent the best interests of the people of this constituency in a clear, independent and transparent manner unencumbered by party restrictions and held hostage by vested interests.
I have demonstrated in my work on the reform of the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) that my principle aim is work for fairness and equality for all landowners and have defended the right of all farmers working all types of land to continue to farm their lands in a sustainable manner.
The CAP is the main funding stream coming into Ireland from the EU representing in excess of 60% of the EU monies coming into the country.
It is the primary source of funding that ensures the viability of farming, and the broader rural economy that flows from agriculture, throughout the constituency.
Midlands North West
Tackling the blatant inequality in the distribution of CAP funds was a core aim of mine when I became an MEP.
I recognised immediately the importance of being a member of the AGRI committee in the Parliament and negotiated with my group to get this position.
Shortly after, I secured the influential post of Agri Coordinator for the group.
I ensured in the CAP reform process that I became the “shadow” for our group and therefore was one of only seven MEPs, the only one from Ireland, who were around the table throughout the entire CAP reform process.
From June 2018 when the CAP proposal was first introduced, through to July 2021 when it was finalised I engaged in countless meeting to ensure the best possible outcome for the farmers in the West and Northwest.
Key goals delivered on CAP as a result of my amendments and working consistently with others include:
- 85% convergence of payments/ha of the basic income for sustainability;
- ‘Eco Scheme’ payments are equal to all farmers unlike ‘Greening’;
- A front-loaded payment to boost the income of smaller farmers.
The combined outcome of these gains will mean an effective rate of convergence in excess of 92% by 2027. Because of this, farmers on the min payment will see their payments rise from €160/ha to €240/ha by 2026.
For Midlands North West, this will result in an extra €130 million for the local economy between now and 2026.
In addition, to ensure fairness and simplicity, I insisted on:
- A broadening of the definition of agricultural activity, so that the provision of environmental services is on a par with the production agricultural products;
- Paludiculture is included in the regulation as an agricultural activity.
In the introduction of a new standard for the management of peatland and organic soils, (GAEC 2) I recognised the threat that this could pose to those working these types of soils.
I worked effectively on this and secured a wording, included in the regulation ensuring that the implementation of this standard cannot preclude agricultural activity being carried out on peat soils.
I am determined if returned to Brussels to continue the work in these areas. I will continue to fight for farmers in the west to have the right to farm their land as they have done for generations.
Farmers in all sectors are entitled to equal support irrespective of type of enterprise.
Agriculture is the foundation blocks of the rural economy and if allowed to decline, starts the downward spiral of depopulation leading the loss of services, such as schools and shops and the gradual hollowing out of rural areas.
There should be no complacency in this. We should be under no illusion that there are those who see no value in many of the small-scale low intensity enterprises and are quite prepared to sacrifice these and use the lands as a carbon offset to allow intensive sectors to continue unabated.
I have consistently voted against every international trade Mercosur, CETA etc that pits Irish farmers against others in a global race to the bottom.
Others claim to represent farmers interests, but have enthusiastically championed every trade deal that came before the Parliament and in doing so undermined the viability and very existence of Irish family farms.
When you vote use your vote wisely, and return an MEP to Brussels who will work independently for you, not one who is under the control of national parties who themselves are pawns for international corporations.
