A typical extensive suckler and sheep farmer could see their payment rise by just €440, compared to their 2002 payment, under the next CAP.

Exclusive Irish Farmers Journal modelling of a farmer with a 32ha farm with some commonage, an average-sized suckler herd and an average-sized sheep flock shows a payment increase of 6% over 20 years.

In 2023, the farm will earn €7,652 from the combination of BISS (the new basic payment), front-loading and eco schemes combined. This is €300 more than the Single Farm Payment received back in 2005.

Convergence will increase their overall payment to €7,796 by 2026. The modelling of this farm shows relatively small gains for the most economically vulnerable sector and those most dependent on direct payments for income.