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IFA president Tim Cullinan has acknowledged the “strong comments” from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in defence of the CAP budget.
Talks on the EU budget are likely continue into Saturday 22 February, a third day of negotiations.
Speaking from Brussels, Cullinan said: “The Taoiseach is right to reject the current proposals as they would be very damaging for Irish farmers and the rural economy,” he said. “We want him to maintain this stance and build alliances with member states that are in favour of a CAP budget that safeguards the incomes of farm families.”
The IFA president said that there was a clear attempt being made by Charles Michel, the European Council President, to wear down opposition to the current proposals.
“We are in Brussels again today to continue our fight against this very damaging proposal. In fact, what is needed is an increased CAP budget to at least take account of inflation and any additional asks being placed on farmers.”
The viability and sustainability of thousands of family farms will be threatened if these proposals, or anything like them, are adopted by member states,” he said.
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