IFA president Tim Cullinan is calling on the Minister for Agriculture to take action over the coming months and ensure that farmers’ incomes are protected in the next Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).

As debate continues around issues such as convergence, the IFA said that it was intensifying its campaign around its Six key objectives policy document.

Objectives

The objectives are:

  • 1. Minimise the impact of the eco scheme on farmers’ basic payment.
  • 2. Hold the line on 75% internal convergence.
  • 3. Maximise national co-financing of Pillar II farm schemes.
  • 4. €1.5bn of carbon tax revenue for agri-environmental measures.
  • 5. Practical implementation of Good Agricultural Environmental Conditions (GAECs)/cross-compliance.
  • 6. Phasing out of long-term leasing of entitlements, with appropriate definition of genuine farmer.

    • “The Minister must ensure that Pillar II schemes such as ANC, GLAS, TAMS, BDGP (suckler cows), the Sheep Welfare Scheme and Organics are properly funded.

    “In addition, we need a new scheme for tillage farmers to stop the exodus from this sector.”

    The value of farm payments has been continuously eroded

    “The EU is going down a dangerous path by moving away from the principle that the CAP ensures food security.

    “Greater ambition on climate action will not be achieved if the viability of primary producers is taken for granted.

    “The value of farm payments has been continuously eroded by inflation and the various reforms over the years. Many farmers are now at a tipping point,” Cullinan said.

    The IFA is holding a series of CAP meetings online over the next fortnight which will start at 8pm each night.

    Details

  • Munster - Tuesday 18 May.
  • South Leinster - Wednesday 19 May.
  • Connacht - Thursday 20 May.
  • Ulster/north Leinster - Monday 24 May.