Six key demands have been sought by the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) from the Irish government in the looming discussions on the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

IFA president Tim Cullinan has called on Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue and the government to "act decisively to protect farmers and rural Ireland" in advance of the upcoming negotiations.

The IFA president was speaking in Co. Meath yesterday evening (Wednesday, May 12) as the organisation intensified its CAP campaign with the publication of its "Six Key Objectives" policy document, adding:

"We need our Minister for Agriculture to show real mettle during the key negotiations ahead,” he added.

The week beginning Monday, May 24, is crucial with CAP ‘super trilogue’ discussions between the EU institutions taking place, the IFA said. In addition, the Council of Agriculture Ministers will also take place that week.

Attending yesterday’s launch was the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue. Tim Cullinan outlined to the minister the IFA’s six key campaign demands:

Cullinan said: “The minister must ensure that Pillar II schemes such as ANC [Areas of Natural Constraint], GLAS [Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme], TAMS [Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme], BDGP [Beef Data and Genomics Scheme], the Sheep Welfare Scheme and Organics are properly funded.

"In addition, we need a new scheme for tillage farmers to stop the exodus from this sector.

"The value of farm payments has been continuously eroded by inflation and the various reforms over the years. Many farmers are now at a tipping point,” Cullinan concluded.