Leitrim IFA rep visits Brussels as part of Irish Farmers’ Association and the Ulster Farmers’ Union delegation

Leitrim IFA member Mary McGovern was part of a joint delegation from the Irish Farmers’ Association and the Ulster Farmers’ Union who visited the European Parliament in Brussels this week.

Leitrim MEP Nina Carberry brought the delegation on a guided tour of the Parliament and outlined her work across key committees.

A member of the Parliament’s Budget Committee, Carberry stressed the need for a ring-fenced and strengthened Common Agricultural Policy in the next EU budget.

The group also reiterated their strong opposition to the European Commission’s initial proposal to merge agriculture and cohesion funding into a single pot.

READ MORE: Leitrim farmer blasts Mercosur 'It's a dangerous situation; I think the whole deal will have to be rewritten.'

Carberry reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the role of women in agriculture and ensuring that EU policymaking better reflects their contribution.

Discussions during the visit covered Ireland’s nitrates derogation, generational renewal, the Mercosur trade deal, and the ongoing challenges posed by bird flu and bluetongue.

The delegation concluded their trip with a visit to a dairy farm outside Brussels and engaged with a wide range of MEPs and EU policy stakeholders.