Jim Nicholson MEP and UUP representative

Conservative and Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson met with DEFRA Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP recently to discuss the Government's perspective on the future of the agriculture industry.
High on the agenda was the Lisbon treaty. Recently ratified in the Republic of Ireland, the treaty is now within a stones throw of coming into force which would mean a significant increase of powers for the European Parliament, including an enhanced role for its Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.
Speaking from Brussels Mr Nicholson said,
"I welcomed the opportunity to have this meeting and to hear the Government's perspective on a number of things. We discussed a number of important issues currently affecting the farming industry in Northern Ireland including the simplification of the CAP, in terms of how European and national grants could possibly ease the burden of red tape and allow farmers to get on with their work and also a general discussion about CAP reform.
"I took the opportunity to raise the plight of our dairy farmers with Hilary Benn and urged him and the UK Government to be more supportive of them."

Speaking ahead of a special debate in the European Parliament next week on Brazilian beef where the Commissioner will be questioned on the subject, Conservative and Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has said MEPs must flex their muscles and not let the Commission get away with relaxing the rules on imports of Brazilian beef.

In a statement Mr Nicholson said,

"MEPs will have the opportunity to question the Agriculture Commissioner on the FVO's recent report on Brazilian beef and I will certainly be using this opportunity to ask the Commissioner how she can justify the Commission's position on Brazilian beef and to challenge the Commission's view that standards are improving in Brazil when obviously they are not.

"The Commission cannot be allowed to duck the responsibility they have to consumers and the farming industry to ban this sub standard product immediately. It is time the European Commission took its head out of the sand on this issue.

"Northern Ireland's farmers must comply with the high standards laid down by the EU in terms of health, food safety and traceability so why shouldn't imports coming into the EU from other countries do the same?

"Until beef imports from Brazil meet our high standards, I don't see how they can be allowed into Europe. Imports must be banned until these high standards are met."

Conservative and Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson accompanied by Vice Chairman of the NI Assembly Agriculture Committee, UUP MLA Tom Elliott met with Gerry Maguire and Richard Moore from Linden foods recently.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Nicholson said,

"This was an extremely interesting and informative meeting with the management of Linden Foods to discuss a number of issues affecting the red meat sector in Northern Ireland.

"We had a very useful exchange of views on the issue of country of origin labelling. It is extremely important to meet with the key stakeholders in our farming industry to exchange views and get a feel for what the major issues are.

"In addition, we also discussed imports of Brazilian beef to Europe and the need for the European Commission to ensure that producers across Europe are operating on a level playing field by banning imports of Brazilian beef, which are not produced to the high standards set by Europe or to the same levels that European producers must adhere to."

Conservative and Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson and Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey MLA last week made a fact finding visit to Newtownabbey .

Accompanied by local MLA's Ken Robinson, Roy Beggs and Danny Kinahan they visited Mossley Mill. The Mill, formerly owned by Henry Campbell provided employment for many generations of local people. Newtownabbey Borough Council purchased the Mill when manufacturing finally ceased and proceeded to change the building into its new Headquarters and Civic Centre. The end result not only preserved the buildings but transformed the site into a modern, vibrant centre for the Borough.

Representatives of the community sector Kathy Wolff, Stephanie McVicker, George Gillespie and John Webster met with Mr Nicholson and Sir Reg Empey to illustrate the wide range of community involvement being undertaken across Newtownabbey. As part of the visit Mayor John Scott and East Antrim MLA Ken Robinson explained how the regeneration of Mossley Mill had also enabled better road and rail connections in the area to develop.

Environmental improvements such as the Newtownabbey Way which will pass through the grounds of the Mill and the transformation of the Mill Dam into a Game Fishery due to open in the New Year were also highlighted to the visitors.

Hard hats were required for entry to the new theatre, sited in the quadrangle of the former Mill and which is also due to open shortly.

Mr Nicholson and Sir Reg Empey were suitably impressed by the forethought of the Council over many years that had enabled so many facets of civic and community life to come together in such a well co-ordinated and impressive manner.

Conservative and Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson last week visited Caledon Regeneration Partnership.

Florence Trimble, Secretary of Caledon Regeneration Partnership stated" I am delighted that Mr Nicholson took time to visit Caledon and see the progress which has been made in the village over the past decade."

Commenting during the visit Mr Nicholson said

"Caledon was fortunate to obtain funding from peace 1 for the production of the Comprehensive Development Plan drawn up in 1997.With the support of Government agencies and Heritage Lottery funding, the majority of schemes highlighted in the plan have now been successfully completed under the Caledon Conservation and Enhancement Programme.

I am delighted that one major ongoing project is the refurbishment of the Caledon Beam Engine and Engine House, which has been spearheaded by Consarc Conservation.The Caledon Beam engine dates from the early 1830s and once powered Caledon Mill. Not only is the Caledon Beam Engine one of the earliest surviving steam engines in Ireland, but the combination of both engine and engine house is now unique in Ireland, this restoration will undoubtedly have a major impact on the development of tourism in the region.

Caledon regeneration Partnership are making every effort to obtain funding to effect a complete restoration of this extremely important example of industrial archaeology.

I am delighted that Caledon Regeneration Partnership are currently developing a number of cross community initiatives including Caledon Village Allotments which will give the local community and village schools an opportunity to build relationships through the pursuit of a common interest while promoting sustainable food production and the use of fresh local seasonal produce."

Mr Nicholson concluded his visit by praising the Partnership for their achievments to date and for looking to the future for new opportunities which can be generated in this part of County Tyrone.

Conservative and Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has said that European Commission proposals to reduce the prawn TAC for local fishermen by 30% could lead to the further destruction of our fishing industry in Northern Ireland.

Speaking from Strasbourg Mr Nicholson said,

"Once again Europe's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is failing our fishermen and our fish stocks.

"For 20 years now, I have witnessed the damage caused to Northern Ireland's fishing industry by the Common Fisheries Policy and in particular the decisions made about quotas in the Irish sea. It seems that this once thriving industry is constantly under threat from European policies and Government inaction.

"Decisions made by Brussels bureaucrats have destroyed livelihoods and decimated our fishing fleet, and the news that further cuts are on the way will push many fishermen out of business.

"The European Commission needs to bring the CFP to an end and allow decisions regarding the future of fishing stocks to be made locally in cooperation with local fishermen."