Mayo MEP elected vice-president of new EPP Farmers’ Group

FINE Gael MEP Maria Walsh has been elected vice-president of the newly established EPP Farmers’ Group, a key new platform which will play a central role in shaping agriculture policy in the EU.

The group brings together MEPs, national politicians and farming organisations under the banner of the largest political force in the European Parliament.

Ireland secured a strong voice at the table, with Fine Gael Senator Eileen Lynch also elected as vice-president.

The election took place at a high-level event in Brussels this week, which was attended by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen and EPP President Manfred Weber.

MEP Walsh, full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, said: “The EPP is the biggest political group in the European Parliament. When it comes to agriculture, this is where the real decisions are made.

“I’m proud to take up this role as vice-president to represent Irish farmers, especially those across Midlands-North West. They face unique challenges and opportunities, and their voice will be heard at the heart of Europe.

“With an uphill battle ahead of us as we negotiate the future of the CAP, we need a strong pro-farmers representative in Brussels. The EPP Farmers’ Group will be the central vessel for decisions relating to the future of the European agriculture sector, as it brings together MEPs, national politicians and farm organisations.

“My work priorities for this group are simple - fighting for fair incomes for farmers, delivering an EU-wide generational renewal strategy and delivering tailor-made supports and programmes for female farmers.

“This new group puts young farmers and agri-SMEs front and centre - exactly where our focus needs to be if we want a sustainable, thriving future for Irish and European agriculture.”