MLAs Visit National Ploughing Championship

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development will travel this week to Athy, Co Kildare to attend the National Ploughing Championships. Whilst there, they will meet the Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle O’Neill MLA and the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr Simon Coveney TD as well as Members of the Joint Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture.

Members of the Committee will take the opportunity to put the Committee’s position on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy to both Ministers and discuss areas of mutual interest and concern, such as Fisheries Policy and eradication of animal diseases with their counterparts in Dail Eireann.

During the visit, Members of the Committee will also visit the DARD exhibition and meet with other Northern Ireland exhibitors who will be using the occasion to promote their products and services.

Speaking about the visit, Committee Chairperson, Paul Frew MLA said: “This is the first time that a Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development from Northern Ireland will attend the Championships at the invitation of both Ministers. This is an excellent opportunity to put Northern Ireland’s case.”

ENDS