Limerick People Before Profit Candidate claims “farmers have been taken for a ride”

Ruairí Fahy Highlights Farmers' Plight Amidst Europe-Wide Protests

In a statement released today, Ruairí Fahy, a candidate representing People Before Profit in the upcoming local elections, voiced the mounting frustration of farmers, accusing both the Irish government and the EU of neglecting the interests of family farmers. Mr. Fahy emphasised the detrimental impact of policies favouring big agricultural companies and banks over the well-being of smaller-scale producers.

Mr. Fahy's statement comes amidst farmers marching in their thousands across Europe this week, protesting against agricultural policies that prioritise corporate interests over those of family farmers.

Farmers March Across Europe as Co. Limerick Candidate Highlights Plight

“Farmers are right to be angry” said Mr. Fahy, “they've been taken for a ride by the Irish government and the EU who are not on the side of the family farmers but on the side of big agricultural companies and banks.

“The Irish government has backed the Mercosur deal which will drive down the prices farmers can get for their products and the only way to keep up will be to "get big or get out." Since 2014 it's been government policy to nudge farmers into taking on massive amounts of debt and growing their herds. Over a billion has been given out in grants and low cost loans linked with dairies.”

"Forced Into Debt" - Government Policies Ignite Concerns

Mr. Fahy highlighted the detrimental impact of government policies since 2014, particularly the push for farmers to take on substantial debt and expand their operations. He criticised the government's reliance on grants and low-cost loans linked with dairies, totalling over a billion euros, as incentives for farmers to increase their production.

He emphasised how this approach has led many farmers into a cycle of debt, obliging them to grow their herds beyond sustainable levels, exacerbating environmental concerns and contributing to the erosion of family farms.

“This growth of capital intensive and climate damaging agricultural production is drawing farmers out onto the streets but it's important that they don't become tools of the agricultural multinationals who've put them in this position in the first place.”

"Alarming Exodus" - Addressing Farmer Attrition

Mr. Fahy highlighted the alarming trend of farmer attrition, citing analysis from the Irish Farmers Journal. Between 2016 and 2022, over 1,400 farmers left the profession annually, according to Fahy. This steady exodus poses a significant threat to Ireland's agricultural landscape, with implications for rural economies, food security, and the future of rural Ireland.

Mr. Fahy underscored the urgent need for action to address the root causes of this exodus saying, "the government needs to admit that the model of agriculture they're promoting is unsustainable and make sure farmers who were duped aren't left holding the bag for their failed policies.”

"Voices Must Be Heard" - Ensuring Farmer Representation

Mr. Fahy stressed the importance of amplifying farmers' voices and ensuring their representation in policy-making processes. He pledged to advocate tirelessly for the interests of family farmers, promising to hold the government and the EU accountable for their actions, stating, "It's important that they don't become tools of the agricultural multinationals who've put them in this position in the first place."

"It's time we stop listening to the corporate lobby of the IFA and instead look at creating a real sustainable alternative for food production that doesn't wreck the water, soil, air or create the conditions for a burning planet."