As part of the debate, the Dublin MEP said that he did not believe in rolling back on the nature elements of the Common Agricultural Policy, and that he ‘did not agree with continuation of the Nitrates Derogation’.
In response, the IFA president said: “Barry Andrews clearly said he does not support the continuation of the derogation. This is at odds with the position of the Fianna Fáil Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.” He added that Fianna Fail must ‘clarify their position immediately so that farmers know exactly what they are voting for on Friday’.
He continued: “Ireland has a unique grass-based system. This is why we have a derogation and it is why it should be maintained,” he said.
“It is easy for Dublin-based MEPs to make rules for rural Ireland without any knowledge or experience of the implications of their decisions. Farmers will be annoyed and worried about what they heard and the tánaiste must clear the matter up,” he said.