CAP lobbying

IFA representatives met TDs and senators from all constituencies this week to discuss the need to secure an increased budget for the CAP. IFA reps told Oireachtas members that despite the huge contribution the agriculture sector makes to the EU economy and public goods, farming remains a low-income activity; direct payments are vital to farmers and the budget available for these and other support measures must be increased in CAP 2020.

Timber prices

Farmers with plantations over 14 years old should plan ahead and prepare to thin their forest to make the most of the rising timber prices, forestry chair Pat Collins has said. The economic recovery across western Europe, increasing demand and the scarce availability of wood on the world market, has led to increasing prices. You can get more information in the latest IFA timber market report, available on www.ifa.ie/forestry.

Calendar competition

Have you entered the IFA calendar competition yet? We are looking for fresh, clear and captivating photographs that show the magic of rural Ireland. Each monthly winner will receive a two-night break at an Irish country hotel. The overall winner, chosen at the end of the year, will receive a cash prize of €2,000, while the runner-up wins €500. You can enter on the IFA app or here.

Dairy intervention

Dairy chair Tom Phelan has said the European Commission must live up to its responsibilities on market management, especially around SMP intervention. Farmers legitimately expect the European Commission to play its full part in ensuring that the market management tools within the CAP are fully and properly utilised to provide a safety net for farmers when markets weaken. This means selling SMP out of intervention at the highest possible price, Phelan said.