The current CAP is likely to be rolled over past 2020, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed conceded at the IFA AGM. All farmers are still facing cuts in payments, however, as the budget will be hit by the British withdrawal from the EU.

“I think it’s highly unlikely that the current CAP will be ready to go at the end of 2020,” said the minister. “ That makes it all the more important that we have transition, but the Commission’s approach is to keep the foot to the floor, rather than give an indication that that timeline isn’t achievable.

“If the UK is gone there’s a budgetary correction,” the minister continued. “Its contribution over the lifetime in the current CAP is in the region of €27bn.” Pressed by IFA president Joe Healy on whether a cut in payments would apply from 2020, the minister said: “Well if you take €27bn out of it, it’s not an addition.”

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