‘D-Day coming for Irish farming’

IFA PRESIDENT Tim Cullinan has called on the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and the government to “act decisively to protect farmers and rural Ireland in advance of upcoming European negotiations on CAP”. With what it describes as “D-Day approaching for Irish agriculture”, the IFA has intensified its CAP campaign with the publication of its six key objectives policy document.

Mr Cullinan said: “Decisions in the coming weeks and months will decide the direction of our sector between now and 2027. We need our Minister for Agriculture to show real mettle during the key negotiations ahead”. The IFA is holding a series of regional CAP meetings over the next fortnight. A meeting for Connacht is being held tonight, Thursday, May 20, at 8pm.

The IFA says that next week is crucial with CAP ‘super trilogue’ discussions between the EU institutions taking place. In addition, the Council of Agriculture Ministers will also take place that week.

IFA met with the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue last week where Tim Cullinan outlined to the Minister IFA’s six key campaign demands.

He wants the government to minimise the impact of the eco-scheme on farmers’ basic payment, hold the line on 75% internal convergence, maximise national co-financing of Pillar II farm schemes, €1.5bn of carbon tax revenue for agri-environmental measures, practical implementation of Good Agricultural Environmental Conditions (GAECs)/cross-compliance and phasing out of long-term leasing of entitlements, with appropriate definition of genuine farmer.

Mr Cullinan said: “The Minister must ensure that Pillar II schemes such as ANC, GLAS, TAMS, BDGP (suckler cows), the Sheep Welfare Scheme and Organics are properly funded. In addition, we need a new scheme for tillage farmers to stop the exodus from this sector.

“The EU is going down a dangerous path by moving away from the principle that the CAP ensures food security. Greater ambition on climate action will not be achieved if the viability of primary producers is taken for granted. The value of farm payments has been continuously eroded by inflation and the various reforms over the years. Many farmers are now at a tipping point.”