Macra na Feirme has set out its position on direct payments under the next CAP, with a focus on ensuring supports go to active farmers.

Entitlements are set to converge to at least 75% of the national average by 2026, an increase on the 60% figure reached in 2019.

Macra said it could accept this, but only if a “robust genuine farmer definition is applied.”

The young farmer organisation set out a detailed positon for a genuine farmer, including a minimum training requirement, a compulsory farm business and retirement planning.

On capping, Macra gave its support for reductions to farm payments over €60,000, but wants allowances for labour and recognition for multi-generational farm partnerships. Under proposed legislation, member states have the option to deduct labour costs before limiting payments.

The issue of entitlement leasing also needs to be addressed before limits are applied, so as not to disadvantage the horticulture or tillage sectors, Macra said.

Macra supports front-loading in rural development schemes rather than direct payments, particularly in cases where sectors were in need of coupled payments.

While it is open to discussion on a small farmer scheme, it said further details were needed on the cost of the scheme from the Department of Agriculture.