A mix of farm sector representatives, scientists, academics and business people will debate the challenges posed by CAP reform, climate change and tighter environmental restrictions at a rural and agri-sector forum in Mitchelstown on November 19.

The forum, titled Ireland and CAP, Planning and the Environment, the Problems and Possible Solutions, comes as the farming community wrestles with the implications of the Climate Action Plan and major CAP changes.

The speakers on the night include Pat Cleary, a chartered surveyor and planner; Tom Barry, soil scientist and businessman; Padraig Casey, CEO of Balllyhoura Development; Kieran Collins of Teagasc; Paul O’Brien, chair of the IFA’s environment committee; and Ray Bates of UCD.

“The purpose of the forum is to inform the rural and farming communities of the issues arising from CAP, climate change and the stricter planning regulations,” said John Magner, the event organiser.

Magner, who was active for many years in IFA at a local and national level, said the aim of the forum is not to complain, but to highlight the challenges facing the farm sector and rural communities, arising from the changes to the regulatory landscape, and to identify possible solutions.

Magner said that each of the speakers will be invited to give a 10-minute presentation to the forum, with the panel then taking questions from the floor.

The forum takes place at the Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, at 8pm on Friday 19 November.

While it is an open meeting, all attendees will be required to show identification and a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to gain entry.