IFA president, Francie Gorman, and president of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Maria Panayiotou, discussed the Common Agricultural Policy and other related matters when they met in Luxembourg last week.

It was the final Agrifish Council under the Cypriot presidency before Ireland takes over the EU presidency this week.

Gorman was attending in his role as vice president of COPA, the umbrella body for European farmers.

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“The reality is that the first step on the CAP is the finalisation of the EU budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

We need a budget for CAP which at least gives an increase to cover inflation.

We need a separate CAP budget as we have had since we joined the EU – then the EEC – in 1973

“In addition, the current proposals would make the CAP an element of a larger funding heading. This would greatly reduce the certainty of the budget for the seven-year period 2028 to 2034,” said Gorman.

“We need a separate CAP budget as we have had since we joined the EU – then the EEC – in 1973.

“What is proposed by the Commission is dangerous as it will leave funds open to being diverted to other projects,” he added.

The IFA president also raised Mercosur and support to offset rising fertiliser prices.

The IFA National Council will hold a meeting in Brussels today and will undertake a full round of lobbying on CAP and other issues in advance of Ireland taking over the EU presidency.

Upcoming IFA events

Mon 6 July

  • IFA will attend Teagasc event in Athlone regarding EU presidency.

    • Tues 7 July

  • Member Services board meeting, Irish Farm Centre.

    • Thurs 8 July

  • Bannow-Rathangan Show, Wexford.