Five decades of joined-up thinking

Ireland’s membership of the EU has been and will remain a constant talking point – and rightly so – among critics and proponents, alike, especially within the agricultural sector. Of all the corners of society, it is fair to say that Irish farmers, their working practices, their communities, their lives, and their families have been greatly impacted. Many would say for good, others would disagree, perhaps. 

When asked about the effect of membership on Irish agriculture, our Taoiseach Michaeál Martin told Irish Farmers Monthly that ‘we have used our membership to emerge as a truly modern, open economy and society with a reach and influence that we would not otherwise enjoy’. EU membership was a decision that was not taken lightly, but it was definitive with 83 per cent of voters saying yes to membership, in the 1972 referendum that took place in May that year.

“When we, as a country, decided to join the European communities, 1.2 million people of the 1.8 million eligible voters voted in favour. This highlights not only the foresight of these voters but also Ireland’s consistent and longstanding commitment to the European project.” The latest Eurobarometer data, which showed that Ireland had the highest proportion of people with a positive image of the EU backs this up, he points out. It shows that Irish people ‘appreciate and do not take for granted all the advantages that have resulted from that historic vote by the citizens of 1972’ the Taoiseach said. 

Now, is an opportune time, he says, to remember the extent to which the Irish agri-food sector has grown, adapted and evolved with the support of the EU’.

“These past 50 years have seen a transformative and overwhelmingly positive impact on the sector. When the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was first introduced, it aimed to increase agricultural productivity and to ensure a fair standard of living for farmers. We have seen several reforms since, with new goals supported through the CAP, including rural development, innovation and sustainable practices. At each juncture, Ireland has been to the forefront of engaging and cooperating with our EU neighbours. 

“Today, our EU membership continues to be a central factor defining our place in the world and it has enabled our agri-food sector to be globally orientated, exporting quality products to over 180 markets worldwide.

“The current CAP has put a particular focus on the contribution of agriculture to environmental and climate goals, and I am confident that the supports put in place will be vital to the agri-food sector as it embraces the necessary transition that we are all facing.”

But it is important to acknowledge the role that Irish agriculture has played also, he points out – it is a two-way street. 

“As much as the sector has gained, we can also be proud of all that it has contributed. Despite this unprecedented time for global supply chains, Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world, due to the special relationship with our EU neighbours and our place in the EU single market. 

“Given the resilience and innovative approaches of our farmers, and their ability to persist through challenging times, I am confident that our global reputation for high quality agri-food products – developed in tandem with and supported by the EU project – is secure.”

At the time of interview, Micheál Martin was serving as Taoiseach.