An overwhelming majority of members from the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have given their support to the full flattening of direct payments through convergence.

Over 200 farmers took part in the survey, with 84% backing full convergence. The majority also supported 100% convergence by the earliest possible date.

INHFA president Colm O’Donnell said the figures were "not surprising and does justify our ongoing calls for full convergence." He said such a move would benefit 72,710 farmers, equating to 60% of farmers currently receiving CAP payments.

Proposals

The current draft proposal at EU level aims to achieve 75% convergence by 2026, up from the 60% figure achieved in 2019.

The INHFA is calling for full convergence by 2027, in addition to a front-loading option on payments.

O’Donnell pointed to EU Commission recommendations made in December 2020, which stated that Ireland should continue efforts to pursue internal convergence.

“This will help protect the small to medium size holdings, which are the backbone of our family farm model that all representative bodies maintain we must protect,” he said.

Capping

In relation to the capping of payments, O’Donnell said there was “unanimous support” with options suggested ranging from €35,000 up to €100,000.

“For the vast majority of respondents, there was the desire to see this as low as was practically possible, and similar to the capping of payments, there was very strong support to exclude labour units in any final agreement on this,” he said.

The INHFA’s position is for a maximum payment of €60,000 with no allowance for labour units.

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