Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has been elected as a full voting member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI).

The move follows the recent allocation of an additional AGRI seat to the Centralist Renew Europe group, allowing Mullooly to take up a permanent voting role on the committee.

The AGRI committee deals with key decisions affecting Irish farming, including the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), farm incomes, food security, generational renewal and environmental rules.

Mullooly had, until now, served as a substitute member of the Committee where he voted on a limited number of occasions.

Renew Europe MEPs voted in favour of Mullooly becoming the new full member, with 41 out of 67 MEPs backing his appointment.

Belgian MEP Benoit Cassart and Ireland South Fianna Fail MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú had also contested the vote held in Strasbourg last night (Wednesday, May 20). I

AGRI

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh, Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen and Independent MEP Luke Ming Flanagan are already full members of the AGRI committee.

Mullooly said his appointment will give Ireland a stronger voice at "one of the most important decision-making tables for farmers, food producers and rural communities".

The Midlands-North-West MEP believes his vote could become crucial in the final run up to the next CAP.

"At a time when CAP reform, farm incomes, food security, fertiliser costs, imports, regulation and rural viability are all on the agenda, Irish MEPs have to put on the green jersey. This is not about party politics. It is about Ireland’s interests," he said.

Mullooly said his priorities will include defending farm incomes, cutting unnecessary red tape, supporting young farmers and women in agriculture, protecting family farms, strengthening food security and ensuring fairness in trade.

"I intend to use this full membership of AGRI to be a strong, practical and constructive voice for farmers, rural communities and the future of food production in Ireland," he said.