IFA meet Hogan on new CAP framework
THE UK’S withdrawal from the EU must not be used to try and reduce the spending on the new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) that will click-in after 2020, according to IFA President Joe Healy.
Last week, a programme of formal public consultation on the future of the CAP was launched, with the IFA outlining four key priorities for the ‘reform agenda’ in a meeting with Agricultural Commissioner, Phil Hogan. These are:
■ Improving farm incomes by securing a stronger CAP budget.
■ A properly functioning market that returns a viable price to farmers.
■ Ensuring that direct payments go to active farmers who protect the environment and produce quality food.
■ An enhanced Rural Development Programme for farm schemes.
Joe Healy said at the launch that strong funding for the CAP budget was justified by the multiple benefits the policy brings for all European citizens, in terms of sustainable food production, environmental protection and economic development.”
He warned against any reduction in the CAP budget as a result of Brexit, saying if EU solidarity means anything, then the budget shortfall must be made good so that farmers are not hit with CAP cuts when the UK leaves.
Joe Healy welcomed Commissioner Hogan’s commitment to making CAP less complex and building on simplification measures in the review, saying he hoped this would reduce the unnecessary stress burden on farmers.
For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.