MEP Billy Kelleher highlighted the stark challenges that are ahead when it comes to funding the EU’s next Common Agriculutral Policy (CAP) at the Macra conference in Cork at the weekend.

He told delegates that the mood on the continent has changed and as Ireland is both geographically and politically on the edge of Europe, we’re probably immune to it to a certain extent.

On a visit to Poland earlier this year, he spoke with the Polish Agriculture minister who told him: “If I’ve a choice between supporting Polish farmers or buying more tanks, I’ll buy tanks all day long.”

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You could hear a pin drop when he said that in Denmark, from 1 July this year, any girl who turns 18 will have their name put in a lottery and will be obliged by the time they have reached 25 to serve one year military service.

“Security has increased in importance and where the money comes from to maintain CAP funds may have to come through increased contributions of the EU raising money through some form of taxation,” he added.

Billy Kelleher MEP at the Macra national conference in the Celtic Ross hotel, Rosscarbery.