During a section on European issues Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson MLA praised the recent visit of European Commissioner for Agriculture, Dacian Cioloşto to Northern Ireland which was arranged by Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson.
Speaking during the meeting Mrs Dobson described the visit as “extremely important for the local agricultural industry and a real coup for MEP Jim Nicholson to achieve this visit from the Commissioner.
“It gave a unique opportunity, in the centenary year of Greenmount College, to highlight the real importance of agriculture to the Northern Ireland economy and also to outline our local industry’s needs and concerns regarding CAP reform directly to the Commissioner.”
Mrs Dobson’s party colleague and Agriculture Committee member Robin Swann MLA said “It was especially important for the Commissioner and his officials to hear the views of local young farmers who are the future of the industry.
“They got the opportunity to outline their concerns about the Commission’s proposals including greening and how this could deter young people from taking up farming. This was a powerful message delivered directly by Northern Ireland young farmers to the Commissioner in charge of the proposals.
Committee members from across political parties, including Vice Chairman Joe Byrne MLA welcomed the visit and commended Jim Nicholson for organising what was an important element of getting local concerns about CAP across to Europe.
In conclusion Mrs Dobson said: “I know that during his visit the Commissioner gained an invaluable first-hand insight into how the Northern Ireland agricultural industry could be affected by many of his current proposals
“He will now have a wider knowledge of what farmers and rural dwellers in Northern Ireland need to achieve as he works towards the final CAP package, which as we all know is not yet competed and that is why achieving a visit like this to Northern Ireland is so important for the agriculture industry, wider economy and our rural communities.”