Thomas Lyons 
Senator Erin McGreehan, a member of Fianna Fáil, has called on a number of ministers to appear in the Seanad and address food security and access to sustainable food. The senator has requested a debate in the upper house of the Oireachtas on these pressing issues, and has singled out Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney.
McGreehan has emphasized the importance of implementing concrete plans and providing support to farmers, enabling them to continue producing food while receiving fair returns for their efforts. She believes that it is crucial to consider the long-term implications of agricultural policies and strike a balance between sustainable farming practices and providing a sustainable income for farmers.
The senator has expressed her eagerness to explore how the departments of the three ministers view their roles in ensuring food security. According to McGreehan, these ministers’ departments have interlinked roles in terms of supporting farmers with a fair price for their produce, regulating the food production market, and striking a balance between environmental policies and farming.
McGreehan has also called for a thorough evaluation of land productivity and the effects of the EU Nature Restoration Law, specifically in relation to the potential impact on sustainable food availability. Speaking in the Seanad, the Co. Louth-based senator has expressed concern over the current trend among retailers of reducing food costs without considering the implications for those in the agricultural sector.
The senator has highlighted that farmers, as price takers, lack the power to influence the prices they receive, leaving many operating at a loss. Achieving food security and access to sustainable food is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Climate change, environmental degradation, and unequal distribution of resources and power are major obstacles on this path.
However, McGreehan believes that by working together, society can overcome these challenges and develop solutions that ensure everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food. The senator has called on the three ministers to appear in the Seanad and address these pressing issues, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensure food security and access to sustainable food for all.
It is clear that the issue of food security and access to sustainable food is a pressing concern in Ireland, and it is heartening to see politicians like Senator McGreehan taking action to address these issues. The interlinked roles of the departments of the three ministers highlight the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensure that farmers are supported, the food production market is regulated, and environmental policies are balanced with farming practices.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to prioritize the issue of food security and access to sustainable food, working together to overcome the challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation, and unequal distribution of resources and power. With a comprehensive and coordinated approach, we can ensure that everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food.
