Former Carlow /Kilkenny TD and now Leinster East MEP Liam Aylward is to be honoured in recognition of his work in promoting agriculture and food across the EU.
The French government is to confer the Commandeur Merite Agricole honour on Liam Aylward, and the presentation will be made by the French Agriculture Minister Michel Barnier on December 4th.
Mr Barnier, who is also the President of the European Council of Agricultural Ministers, said that Liam Aylward is one of the most highly respected EU legislators in the field of agricultural matters. "The French government has given the award to him because of the leadership that he has shown on key agricultural issues in Europe over the past four years,” said Mr Barnier.
“In fact he has led the way in Europe in reforming the sheep farming sector," he added.
Irish farm organisations, lamb processing companies, French importers of Irish foods, and the Irish government will be represented at the presentation ceremony.
It is also worth noting that the Commandeur Merite Agricole is the highest honour that Paris can confer on a foreigner.
The recent report compiled by the Kilkenny -born MEP to the European Parliament on reforming the sheep farming and lamb processing sectors has been widely acclaimed. It is also well recognised that Liam Aylward has always been a very strong supporter of legislation which fully protects the EU food chain.
