The full flattening of CAP entitlements would see €50m in farm payments change hands from eastern to western counties.

This would see farmers with above average entitlements receive the national average resulting in significant payment cuts.

However, for farmers with entitlements below the average, such a move would deliver a boost in payments. The majority of lower-value entitlements are located in western counties.

If Brussels settles on a 100% convergence position, all entitlements would be adjusted to this level by 2026

Direct payments going to farmers in Mayo and Kerry would increase by over €11m in each of these counties. However, almost €11m will move away from Cork.

Farmers with higher-value entitlements face a double blow, as eco-schemes will mean further cuts. Between 20% and 30% of direct payments will be ring-fenced to fund these schemes.

This would reduce the national average entitlement to somewhere between €210/ha and €184/ha.

If Brussels settles on a 100% convergence position, all entitlements would be adjusted to this level by 2026.

CAP negotiations are entering their final weeks and Irish farmers will anxiously be watching the outcome.

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