The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA), celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has re-emphasised how important the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) remains for the organisation.
It has focused on lobbying for policies under CAP that would address the needs of its members since establishment in January 2015.
During CAP negotiations, the INHFA lobbied for farmers on peat soils, hills, and lowlands to continue to be eligible for CAP payments under CAP 2023-2027.
Speaking with Agriland, INHFA president Vincent Roddy said: ”One of the big things obviously would be the common agricultural policy and would have been why we were set up.
”While it didn’t go as far as we would have liked, it went a lot of the way there.
”We’d have been the only farm organisation that was looking for convergence of payments and front-loading [of payments to smaller farmers],” he said.
INHFA achievements
The INHFA secured a Space for Nature category for those unable to meet the 4% requirement to ensure farmers on peat soils and hills would continue to receive CAP payments.
After an exclusion from the Fodder Scheme for ANC (areas of natural constraint) category 1 land in 2022, the INHFA lobbied and secured affected famers access to the scheme.
Vincent Roddy commented: ”I think the fact that we were very focused on delivering for hill farmers and those on designated land, and ensuring that we got a better CAP, was a major part of why we’re still here 10 years later.
”We’d be across a policy as soon as it comes out. We’d be very active to try and ensure that it’s definitely what we’d want, or definitely doesn’t deliver what we don’t want it to.”
Anniversary
The INHFA was established to represent farmers on marginalised, hill, and designated land as many famers affected by these issues felt they were underrepresented.
Roddy said it aims to ensure the family farm is sustainable for future generations, that famers receive the recognition, respect, and fair treatment they deserve.
The 10 year anniversary on Saturday, January 25, will be celebrated in Sligo Park Hotel, the same date and venue as their first meeting.
The event will begin at 6:30p.m with a drinks reception, dinner, and panel discussion.