Department of Agriculture officials are carrying out full financial analysis of what the CAP deal struck in Brussels means for Irish farm payments, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has confirmed.

Every farmer will see a linear cut of 25% to their direct payment to create a €300m environmental fund for eco schemes.

Details on how farmers will be compensated for taking part in eco schemes are yet to be revealed.

Member states can choose to go for full flattening

An Irish Farmers Journal payment calculator shows the design of these schemes will have a greater impact on a farmer’s payment than any other measure in the next CAP.

The minimum rate of convergence has been set at 85%.

Member states can choose to go for full flattening and the minister said “nothing is off the table” until farmers are consulted.

The new CAP begins in 2023 but Ireland has to submit its national strategic plan by the end of this year.

A 10% linear cut to all payments to fund top-ups for smaller farms through front-loading may be required

Minister McConalogue said he will bring the deal to “every kitchen table” in a nationwide consultation with farmers before it is finalised.

He is in favour of imposing a maximum payment cap in Ireland, with €66,000 the lowest limit possible under EU rules.

A 10% linear cut to all payments to fund top-ups for smaller farms through front-loading may be required.

However, capping and convergence could reduce the size of the cut.

Ireland must define what an active farmer is but it must not exclude part-time farmers.

The minister said issues around the leasing of entitlements need to be examined.