Protecting the CAP budget, recognition of forgotten farmers, an all-island label for cattle and the continuation of the dairy forum were all items expected by farmers to be delivered in the Programme for Partnership Government.

Announced in May 2016, it contained key points and targets set out for delivery for farmers. It said the Government would ensure that the CAP budget “is protected”. While this is not the case, the Government co-signed a joint memorandum in May 2018 calling for the CAP budget to be retained at current levels for the EU 27 post-2020.

On forgotten farmers, the Government promised to seek recognition from the European Commission for the 3,900 forgotten farmers. It sought the recognition under the “specific disadvantage” category of the 2017 National Reserve, which uses funds from a linear cut to the value of all farmers’ payment entitlements.

On nomad cattle, the Government was to explore the potential development of an all-island label to address the problems associated with these cattle

The Commission said funds as a result of this could not be used in this way. These farmers remain in limbo.

On nomad cattle, the Government was to explore the potential development of an all-island label to address the problems associated with these cattle. However, Minister Creed said that if the UK left the EU, this would rule this label out.

The Government also said it would continue to convene a dairy forum. It hasn’t met since 2016.

Delivery

The Government has delivered on a number of points set out in the programme. It said it would develop new market opportunities for the export of farm produce – the opening of the Chinese market for Irish beef has been the big success here.

It said it would develop producer organisations (POs) for the beef sector and it did this.

A new sheep scheme was promised and delivered, worth €25m – the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

For tillage farmers, it said it would include a new scheme for TAMS for tillage farmers.

This resulted in the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme. It also reviewed the Green Cert to ensure it was fit for purpose.

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Programme for Government: what’s left in limbo for farmers?

With a General Election called, Amy Forde takes a look at the Programme for Government from 2016 and looks at what the Government did and didn’t deliver on for farmers.