The launch of the consultation on the 2020 CAP on Thursday in Brussels gives an opportunity for all Irish farmers, representative groups and wider stakeholders to have their say. We would urge you to take this opportunity as we can be sure others with an interest in the countryside and environment, but not necessarily farming, will be to the fore.

We are expecting a straightforward questionnaire with a mix of tick-the-box and open-ended questions. Commissioner Hogan has flagged his thinking several times over the last six months and we expect a strong focus on simplification, better tools to tackle volatility and easier access for young farmers. He has also made clear that the environment will be centre stage but always recognising that farmers are the boots on the ground, best equipped to deliver environmental benefits.

The Irish Farmers Journal will have a presence in Brussels throughout the development of the next CAP and Brexit negotiations and will bring readers detailed, up-to-date news and analysis.

In the meantime, we urge everyone with a stake in Irish farming to complete the questionnaire, which is available here.