Speaking before the IFA executive council today Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said that his party shares the same concerns as farmers in relation to the Slaney Foods deal.

"It leaves Irish farmers at a disadvantage," said Martin, who criticised Simon Coveney for leaving it to the eleventh hour to write to the CCPC."Given the blatant market concentration of a few processors in the beef sector currently, this is one area such a new office should examine to ensure adequate competition in the market place."

Martin said his party also supports specific EU legislation forcing large retailers to supply data on the gross margins they obtain on specific food items for each of the Member States in which they operate. He called for the introduction of a new consumer agency ombudsman.

Payments

Fianna Fail commit to an increase in in Areas of Natural Contraint (ANC) payments. The party also promises to introduce a top up to increase BDGP payments on the first 20 cows.

"In our manifesto, we will support an increased top up payment to achieve a genomics payment target of €200 on the first 20 cows," said Martin. "The impact of “Green tape” and an intrusive inspection regime is creating undue stress and concern for working farmers already struggling to make ends meet."

Under questioning from members of the IFA executive council, Micheal Martin also assured those in attendance that he would separate the farm production from its assets for assessment under the Fair Deal scheme. He said that Fianna Fail is looking at introduction coupled payment of €20/ewe as part of the next CAP. Martin also committed to accepting the 2,500 farmers excluded from the second Tranche of the GLAS scheme.

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Full coverage: General election 2016