ICSA president Patrick Kent has congratulated Michael Creed on his appointment as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Mr Kent said “Minister Creed has a challenging time ahead with numerous issues needing urgent attention, most notably the double threat of the Mercosur and TTIP deals and the detrimental effect they pose to the Irish beef industry.”

“The current Rural Development programme also needs to be refocused to make it work better for farmers. Key issues include the reversing of cuts to disadvantaged areas, a more user friendly GLAS that delivers real benefits and a dedicated sheep scheme. A common sense approach to the BDGP scheme is also required and a commitment to ensuring that the planned allocation is fully utilised.”

Addressing the issue of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) Mr Kent said, “The Minister needs to ensure that the purpose of QAS is to reward farmers, not penalise them.”

“ICSA looks forward to working with Minister Creed on these and many other issues affecting Irish farmers. We wish him well in his new role.”