'Europe is throwing farmers under the bus' - FF agri spokesperson
Fianna Fáil spokesperson on agriculture, Peter 'Chap' Cleere has slammed the European Commission's treatment of farmers as part of its long-term budget proposals.
Earlier today (Wednesday, July 16), the commission outlined its plans for a €2 trillion EU budget from 2028-2034.
The proposals include a €300 billion ring-fenced fund for the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The current CAP, which will come to an end in 2027, has a budget of €387 billion.
Deputy Cleere said the proposed changes to CAP were “the equivalent of throwing our farmers under the bus.”
“Europe has turned its back on farmers with these misguided proposals. This is Europe abandoning farmers.
“What Europe has proposed is a 20% real-terms cut to CAP. At a time when we’re supposed to be backing farmers more than ever, that is completely unacceptable," he said.
The Carlow–Kilkenny TD noted that this is “just the beginning of negotiations which will continue over the course of the next two years".
"Fianna Fáil will back our farmers to the hilt in all European negotiations, and will use our influence when Ireland assumes the presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026.
“Hardworking farmers right across the country rely on the support provided through CAP.
"What the European Commission has done is cast a shadow of uncertainty over the entire agricultural sector, and it’s happening at a time when farmers need support more than ever," he said.
Deputy Cleere said a "key responsibility" for the government will be to raise "Ireland’s concerns with our EU partners and to influence European policy".
"We must fight to ensure that farmers’ voices are heard in Brussels and that any new proposals reflects their interests.
“Fianna Fáil does not believe in what the European Commission is doing and we will fight tooth and nail to protect our farmers.
"What’s important to remember is that this is only a proposal, and we, as a party, will fight against it every step of the way," he said.
