Major CAP event

‘‘Making CAP 2020 Work for You’’ is the theme of a major IFA – European Commission citizens’ dialogue event next week in Kilkenny. All farm families are encouraged to attend to hear directly from European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan on one of the most critical issues for Irish farmers. The main event will involve a debate between Commissioner Hogan and the IFA president Joe Healy on CAP 2020, including a full question-and-answer session with audience participation. There will also be a session involving key IFA chairs and industry representatives on the importance of CAP to Irish farming and agribusiness and Professor Thia Hennessy, head of UCC Business School, will set the scene on CAP.

The event takes place in the O’Loughlin Gaels GAA clubhouse in Kilkenny, starting at 7pm on Friday 20 April. This is a free public event but advance registration is required. Please book your place at www.ifa.ie/CAP2020 or by emailing CAP2020@ifa.ie

Live export prospects

The IFA national livestock chair Angus Woods has said that live cattle exports are going well so far this year with numbers up 8%. Third country live exports have got off to a positive start this year with 4,492 cattle exported. He said two boatloads have been shipped to Turkey and another shipment has gone to Libya. In addition, exporters are currently buying heavier bulls for a shipment in April.

TAMS increase

IFA environment chair Thomas Cooney has called for increased TAMS funding to be directed to support the uptake and use of low-emission slurry spreading technology on farms in Ireland. He said recent ammonia figures issued by the EPA highlight the urgent need for action by the Department of Agriculture.