Over 5,000 farmers in Sligo/ Leitrim can gain from full flattening of CAP payments
A FAIRER CAP deal and the flattening of the CAP payments through full convergence was the main demand of over 200 farmers that attended a public meeting hosted by the Irish Natura & Hill Farmers (INHFA) in Sligo last Thursday night.
In attendance at the meeting was the Association’s President Colm O’Donnell as well as 11 election candidates which included Eamon Scanlon FF, Blaithin Gallagher Green, James Conway Ind, Martin Kenny SF, Marc McSharry FF, Sean Wynne Ind, Frank Feighan FG, Declan Bree Ind, Shane Ellis FF, Nessa Cosgrove Labour, and Marian Harkin Ind, all of whom backed the demand for a full flattening of Pillar 1 payments. National President Colm O’Donnell outlined how a fairer CAP can deliver major gains for over 5,000 farmers in Sligo/Leitrim and expressed delight that all those present on the night including our TD’s understand this.
In detailing INHFA policy on this O’Donnell stated “how flattening of Pillar 1 payments at approximately €250/ha will deliver up to €12m each year to farmers’ in the constituency.” This proposal he continued “is currently being backed by the European Parliament but flexibilities may yet be given to Member States that could dilute its impact and maintain the status quo.”
On this he added “how there will be major resistance to any changes in the make-up of CAP payments which is why the sizeable majority of farmers, especially in counties like Sligo and Leitrim need to make their voices heard on this.”
In relation to farmers on small holdings that currently have above average payments there is stated O’Donnell “the option to protect these farmers through a front-loaded payment option which the INHFA as well as the European Parliament is supporting.”
He concluded by encouraging farmers to back the INHFA policy on the upcoming CAP and stated how “we are the only farm organisation that will be looking for a full flattening of payments with a front loaded option, both of which will deliver for over 90% of farmers in the Sligo/Leitrim constituency.”