Yesterday, the Irish Farmers Association formally launched its campaign for a YES vote in the upcoming Lisbon referendum. IFA president Padraig Walshe stressed that the current economic situation has changed how Ireland needs to address the Treaty. Particularly the fact that is it imperative that Ireland retain “full access to the European market, as well as maintain continued cooperation with international partners for exports.” For a nation so dependent upon food exports the unrestricted access to the European market is critical to the livelihoods for thousands of citizens.
Mr. Walshe also spoke of the importance of the CAP for Irish farmers and the Irish economy. Worth mentioning is that since 1973 more than 40 billion euros has been given to Ireland through the CAP. This huge sum of money has contributed to advancements in quality of life for thousands of rural farmers, introduced more efficient and cost-effective farming practices, and ensured environmental protection. Together these advancements have transformed Irish agriculture from a rural patchwork into an indispensable export oriented sector of the economy. This makes it all the more important that when the CAP payments are up for review in 2013 Ireland is in a position to play a prominent role in the decision-making process.
The IFA will be primarily focusing on campaigning for a YES vote among their 85,000 members, as well as encouraging farmers in rural areas to vote YES!
