This week, IFA president Tim Cullinan took part in a video conference where Commissioner Wojciechowski addressed the COPA Praesidium on the MFF.

He also spoke to the Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin, as the Government formation talks continue.

“The proposals for the next CAP budget are an improvement, but they still represent a cut of 9% in real terms from the current period (2014-2020). Farmers cannot afford a cut. The proposal must be increased to cover inflation and the extra requirements the Commission wants to impose on farmers,” he said.

“The next EU Council set for June 18-19 will be the first real test of our new Government, if we have one in place. Whoever the Taoiseach is will have to insist on a larger budget to provide farmers with a viable income,” he said.

“To put it bluntly, the Commission needs a reality check. It cannot impose more costs and output reductions, which they set out in last week’s ‘Farm to Fork’ and ‘Biodiversity’ strategies, and at the same time cut the CAP budget in real terms.

“It must match its new ambitions with additional funds,” he added.

Cullinan said that the recovery programme post-COVID-19 is crucial, but farmers and the rural economy cannot be left behind.

“We recognise the importance of re-booting the economies across Europe, but the allocation to farming is not enough.

“The average farmer earns half of what the average worker earns across the EU. The recovery has to look at closing that gap,” he said.

The IFA president said COVID-19 had also hit farm incomes, particularly in the beef sector, and the Commission had to recognise this. The CAP schemes are worth €1.8bn to farm incomes and rural Ireland each year, which is a significant injection into the rural economy.

Thomas Ryan leaves for Glanbia

Environment executive Thomas Ryan is leaving to take up a role with Glanbia. During his 15 years with the association, Thomas Ryan has made an excellent contribution to the IFA and Irish farmers. He has developed the environment brief to deal with the challenges of climate action.

He also spearheaded the Smart Farming programme, which has become an important tool for farmers in achieving the dual ambition of lower emissions and higher farm returns.

We wish Thomas all the best in his new role, and for the future.