Major IFA–EU commission event on CAP 2020 with Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan
‘Making CAP 2020 work for you’ – Friday April 20th at 7pm in O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club, Kilkenny
‘MAKING CAP 2020 Work for You’ is the theme of a major IFA–EU Commission Citizens’ Dialogue event to be held on Fri, April 20 th in Kilkenny.
Inviting all farmers, agri-business and the general public to attend, IFA President Joe Healy said IFA has organised this major event with the EU Commission and the keynote speaker will be the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan.
Joe Healy said this is a unique opportunity for farmers to hear at first hand the views of Commissioner Hogan on his recent proposals on the future of the CAP. He said CAP is critical for Irish farmers and farm incomes; and provides €1.75bn directly into the Irish economy on an annual basis.
The IFA President said the major challenge to the CAP is the Budget. IFA is demanding an increase from 1% to 1.2% of GNI (Gross National Income) to provide for a strong increase in the CAP Budget.
He said a strong increase in the Budget is essential to close the income gap between farmers and others sectors in society and take account of inflation. In addition, he said any shortfall from Brexit must be made up by Member States and the Budget must also reflect the recovery and growth in the European economy.
In the recent proposals from Commissioner Hogan on the CAP, major changes are outlined on subsidiarity and a new delivery model around direct payments, simplification, young farmers and generational renewal, and tackling the imbalance on the food chain.
The IFA is organising this event in conjunction with the EU Commission and it will take place in the O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Clubhouse in Kilkenny, commencing at 7.00pm, on Friday April 20 th.
The main event will involve a debate between Commissioner Hogan and the IFA President Joe Healy on CAP 2020, moderated by Justin McCarthy, Editor of the Irish Farmers’ Journal. There will be a full question and answers session with audience participation.
There will also be a session involving key IFA Chairmen from Livestock, Dairy and Tillage as well as local industry representatives on the importance of the CAP to Irish farming and agri-business.
This is a free public event and advance registration is required. Please book your place by visiting www.ifa.ie/CAP2020 or emailing CAP2020@ifa.ie