Lakeland Dairies held separate meetings with An Taoiseach Simon Harris TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD at this year’s Tullamore Show. Both meetings focused on the challenges facing the dairy sector including uncertainty over the nitrates derogation and the need for a coherent Government plan to support agriculture in reaching its climate target. The meetings involved Lakeland Dairies’ Chairperson Niall Matthews and Group CEO Colin Kelly. Speaking after the meetings, Niall Matthews thanked the Taoiseach and Minister McConalogue for their engagement.
“Our meetings with An Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister McConalogue at the Tullamore Show were both constructive and crucial. Both men were highly engaged and understanding of the challenges facing agriculture and dairying at present. However, we impressed on both of them the difficulties and uncertainties the dairy sector is dealing with.
“We were heartened to hear the Taoiseach say that he will lead a national effort to attempt to retain the derogation. He believes that the derogation is of national importance and, therefore, will be co-ordinated by his department in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture. “We made it clear to the Taoiseach and Minister McConalogue that our farm families are showing great leadership in the space of improving water quality. We know how important it is not only to maintain but also to improve our water quality….
