IFA Ulster-North Leinster chair Nigel Renaghan is expected to emphasise the need for an increased budget at a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) consultation meeting in Navan, Co Meath, this evening.

Direct payments make up more than 100% of incomes in some sectors

“The system of decoupled direct payments to farmers was introduced to CAP from 2006, but neither the budget nor the payments have kept pace with the 11.6% inflation in the last decade,” Renaghan stated.

“The IFA is proposing contributions to the EU budget from member states must increase from 1% to 1.2% of gross national income, to reflect the impact of Brexit on the one hand, and the improved EU economic conditions on the other.”

The CAP consultation meeting is one of six, being held by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and his Department, to help gain an insight into Irish farmer proposals for the next CAP 2020 budget, and how they would like to see it take shape.

“Farming remains a low-income activity, and direct payments make up more than 100% of incomes in some sectors,” Renaghan stated .

“Minister Creed must ensure that the new CAP retains strong Pillar I and Pillar II structures, delivers targeted payments to vulnerable sectors such as sheep and suckers, and continues well-funded market support mechanisms for sectors subject to volatility.”

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