Nicholson lobbies Minister over Export Refunds for Dairy Sector
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson welcomed the Agriculture and Fisheries Minister David Cairns MP today to Brussels where they discussed a number of issues currently affecting the farming and fishing communities in Northern Ireland.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Nicholson said,
“I was delighted that the Minister came to Brussels and used the opportunity to once again raise with him the serious financial difficulties facing the dairy sector in Northern Ireland, especially with the continuing fall in export refunds on dried milk powder and asked him to take personal charge of lobbying the Commission on this issue.
“I impressed upon the Minister the need for the Government to consider a restructuring package for the industry. This is of paramount importance for the future viability of dairy farming in Northern Ireland.
“I also raised my deep concerns over the UK Government’s position on modulation. It appears that Defra will not back down on their decision to modulate up to 25% of our farmer’s single farm payments to pay for rural development programmes. What we need is regional modulation to take account of the regional circumstances in the UK.
“I also welcome the Ministers meeting with the fisheries commissioner, Joe Borg. We had an important discussion surrounding the future of the Northern Ireland fishing fleet and in particular focussed on the Fisheries Council due to take place in December and the cod recovery plan. It is extremely important that the Minister travels to Brussels in December for these negotiations.”
