INHFA: 'Common approach' must be retained for next CAP
The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA) has expressed concern about the "possible unravelling" of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).
The European Commission’s proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) or long-term EU budget are set to be announced on July 16.
Proposals on the format of the CAP post-2027 are also set to be revealed by the commission this month.
It is understood that the commission is considering a ‘single fund’ approach to the MFF, meaning there will not be ringfenced funding for the EU’s policy areas, including CAP.
INHFA president Vincent Roddy said that “CAP is one of the few common policies at EU level that has worked".
"Soundings from Brussels are suggesting that a ring-fenced CAP budget could be scrapped in favour of a new approach that allows member states to decide how to spend their EU allocation of funding.
"This would be devastating to the overall CAP project, which at its core has a common approach that includes standard schemes such as the BISS, CRISS and Eco-scheme," he said.
Roddy called for "a ring-fenced budget inside the MFF and the continuation of two pillars with an increased budget to reflect increasing demands".
The INHFA leader warned against the idea of only making environmental payments on certain land types.
“All farmland currently receiving CAP support must continue to do so," he said.
"Farmers whether they be dairy, cattle, sheep, or tillage are all operating within the specific parameters as defined through CAP conditionality, whilst delivering an agricultural output, albeit at different levels depending on the land type.
"This is what CAP conditionality is about and why we have always sought a uniform payment rate.
"In supporting all farmers and ensuring as many farmers as possible remain on the land, we are ensuring the continuation of a strong lobby group which protects all farmers.
"This is something we should not take for granted and there are definite lessons to be taken from a weak farming lobby in the UK that appear to have little or no influence and are hurting badly as a result of this," Roddy added.
The INHFA president encouraged Irish politicians "both at home and in Brussels to use whatever influence they have to deliver a strong and fair CAP with an increased budget".
