Agriculture Minister pledges to stand by Clare farmers ‘regardless of Brexit’

*Minister Charlie McConalogue (FF).

For the Christmas and New Year period, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Charlie McConalogue (FF) has thanked farmers in Co Clare their help and support since he took office in September.

Minister McConalogue has promised to stand by Clare farmers regardless of the outcome of Brexit. He became the third Minister for Agriculture of the Micheál Martin (FF) led Government following the resignations of both Barry Cowen (FF) and Dara Calleary (FF).

“It has been a very challenging time for all farmers across the country. 2020 brought challenges the like of which none of us could ever have imagined. Farmers played their part more than most and were real frontline heroes. The work our farmers did in terms of keeping the food supply chain operational and ensuring our shelves were stocked was incredible and, for that, I thank you,” the Minister stated.

He added, “Despite there being a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic, the cows still had to be calved, the ewes still had to be lambed and the crops still had to be sewed and harvested. This commitment to your professional is greatly appreciated”.

With a lack of clarity around how the EU and the UK will trade post 1st January, Minister McConalogue has told Co Clare farmers that he will stand with them over the coming period of time. “For all the reasons above, farmers and fishers have proven themselves to be critical for the balanced economy as well as our robust food chain. Without the farmer, fisher and the food producer, rural Ireland, would be in a much worse place. I will stand with our farmers, and food producers regardless of the outcome of Brexit”.