Senator: 'Significant scope for negotiation' before CAP finalised
A Fine Gael senator has said that there will be "significant scope for negotiation and improvement" before a final agreement is reached at EU level on the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Eileen Lynch said that the European Commission's proposal for the new CAP must have farmers at the forefront of decision making.
Lynch, a senator for the Seanad's Agricultural Panel, said that the new CAP plan, which will guide agricultural funding and policy across the EU up to 2034, is "only in the proposal stage and any concerns for farmers must be addressed before proceeding".
The senator did note that, despite the widespread criticism of the proposals published last week, there are some positives.
"The initial proposal contained several positive steps forward, particularly the enhanced supports for young farmers... Ensuring generational renewal in Irish farming is a core priority for Fine Gael and vital for the long-term sustainability of rural communities across the country," she said.
However, Lynch added: "I am concerned about proposed cuts to key funding streams that support family farms, agri-environmental schemes and rural development schemes, and rural development programmes.
The senator said that potential reduction in funding currently allocated under Pillar II of CAP is a "worry for many farmers".
"While reform is necessary, we must avoid placing undue pressure on small and medium-sized farmers who are already facing rising input costs and increased regulatory burdens.
"It's important to stress that this is only the first draft, and there will be significant scope for negotiation and improvement before a final agreement is reached," Lynch said.
She added: "This proposal marks the beginning, not the end, of the CAP reform process. I will be working closely with my colleague Minister (for Agriculture, Food and the Marine) Martin Heydon and our (European People's Party) colleagues in Brussels to ensure that Ireland's interests are represented, and that a balanced, fair CAP emerges".
She said that the next CAP should reflect "the needs of our farming families".
"We need constructive engagement across all levels of government, farm organisations, and EU institutions to secure a CAP that strengthens sustainability, fairness, and generational renewal in Irish agriculture," Lynch commented.
