‘Time for straight talking' on CAP funding

ICSA president Patrick Kent said that this week’s announcement of a proposed 5% cut in CAP funding in the next seven-year EU budget is very worrying for Irish farmers. 

Mr Kent was in Brussels on Wednesday for the speech of Commission president Jean Claude Juncker at the European Parliament and the announcement by budget Commissioner Oettinger of detailed multi-annual financial framework (MFF) proposals.  

‘It is now time for straight talking on how we can support farmers who face huge challenges especially in the light of Brexit. The 5% cut in CAP which translates into 4% cut in direct payments is unacceptable. 

‘It is clear that while member-states are being asked to increase their contribution, the figure of 1.114% of GNI is less than many would have hoped for. It is also critical to note that Commissioner Oettinger has also outlined ideas for increased “own resources” for the EU which are highly likely to be controversial and which Ireland will have difficulties with.

‘Therefore all options must be explored, including national co-financing of direct payments, subject to strict guidelines to ensure fairness for all EU farmers,’ said Mr Kent.

‘There is no doubt that member-states must face up to the funding dilemma but the assumption that the EU can do more in other areas by raiding CAP funds has to be challenged. The focus should really be on more efficient use of EU resources.’

‘A cut in CAP funding simply cannot be absorbed by Irish farmers. It is impossible to expect farmers to do more and more for less and less and this message has to get through,’ he warned.

Ireland South Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has said the European Commission’s MFF budget proposals run contrary to the original spirit of the EU, adding ‘I am hugely disappointed with this proposed budget. 

‘Both the 5% cut to CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) and the 7% cut to Cohesion will have huge ramifications for Ireland as they are two of the funds we depend most upon.’