The future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) centres on the outworking of one core principle - stability for the future.

It was significant that European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, repeatedly referenced the enhanced levels of stability that should be delivered courtesy of the new trade deal that has been struck between Europe and the United States.

So, it’s critically important that the same principle is espoused when it comes to settling the now ongoing review of the CAP.

Given the myriad challenges that farmers face every day of the year, coping with the vagaries of the weather being one of them, the need for Brussels to deliver realistic levels of agricultural support in ways that will deliver true stability within the farming industry goes without saying.

There is also a need for the EU to take the issue of future food security far more seriously.

Recent years have highlighted just how insecure international food supply chains have become. And this level of instability is likely to increase further during the period ahead.

So the more that Europe can do to deliver higher levels of food security within its own boundaries, the more it makes sense from every point of view.   

And it is only farmers who can deliver on this critically important issue.

Meanwhile, the Irish government can look forward to Budget 2026 and the CAP review with a lot more certainty, given the trade deal struck between Brussels and Washington.

Recent days have seen government ministers falling over themselves in an attempt to play up the threat of tariffs that might be introduced by the US.

So now we know the ‘magic figure’: 15%. It’s a better prospect when compared with the 30% figure that was being bandied about prior to last weekend.

All of this should mean that Ireland can now look forward with a degree of confidence when it comes to planning ahead.

And a key priority in this regard must be that of future-proofing Irish agriculture.

Agriculture minister, Martin Heydon has already made it clear that Brussels must deliver a future CAP that is strong in nature, well defined and retaining a clear, two-pillar focus.

So what happens if these principles seem to be coming under pressure? The answer is very simple - the Irish government must stand in the breach and make up any funding shortfalls that arise.