Mayo TD welcomes green light for agri-food regulator

THE establishment of an agri-food regulator has taken an important step forward.

Cabinet approval has been given for the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022, which will commence the legislative process for adoption of the Bill.

The Bill, when enacted, will establish a new independent statutory authority which will be known as An Rialtóir Agraibhia (the Agri-Food Regulator).

Said Mayo TD Dara Calleary: “I am delighted that my party colleague and Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, has received government approval for the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill. This fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to ensure fairness, equity, and transparency in the food chain by establishing a new authority.

“The agri-food regulator will be an office with real teeth that will be a strong advocate for farmers, fishers and all food producers.

“It will shine a light on the sector to help improve the position of the primary producer and it will also bring greater transparency and fairness. The regulator will promote and enforce the principles of fairness and transparency for agri-food suppliers.”

Deputy Calleary said he looked forward to the Bill being presented before the Dáil.

“I understand it is the minister's intention to have An Rialtóir Agraibhia up and running and soon as possible.”