OPINION: Concerns raised by Offaly farmers during last European elections addressed

LEGISLATIVE proposals published by the European Commission last week should simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and strengthen the competitiveness of European farmers.

The reforms directly address the top concern raised by Irish and European farmers during last year’s European elections and recent farmer protests – the excessive burden of red tape.

That's according to Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North-West and full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee (AGRI), Barry Cowen.

The reforms include measures that could save up to €1.58 billion annually for farmers and €210 million for national administrations, while also making CAP payments easier to manage.

Among the changes is an increase in the annual lump sum payment limit for small farmers from €1,250 to €2,500. This measure will support more balanced income distribution and reduce administrative overheads, said MEP Cowen.

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In its statement, the Commission acknowledged that current CAP rules often fail to reflect the practical realities of farming on the ground. The proposed changes, shaped by feedback from farmers, Member States and agricultural stakeholders, aim to better align EU rules with local farming conditions

The proposals also introduce more flexibility for Member States in adapting their CAP Strategic Plans and enhanced crisis supports for farms impacted by natural disasters or animal diseases. New funding options for small farmers, including a €50,000 lump sum investment grant, are also included.

Importantly for Ireland, farmers will benefit from incentives to protect peatlands and wetlands, as set out under Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition 2 (GAEC 2). This support will help them comply with national rules that go beyond EU standards, ensuring fair compensation for their efforts through the use of targeted eco-schemes.

The Commission’s legislative proposal will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption, where the Fianna Fáil MEP says he will work to ensure the swift and full implementation of these much-needed reforms.

“For too long, farmers have been tied up in bureaucracy instead of being supported to do what they do best - produce top-quality food and contribute to rural economies. These proposals mark a clear shift in direction and are a promising signal that the Commission has heard the message sent by Irish farmers loud and clear," said MEP Cowen.

His Offaly Government colleague, Fine Gael's Deputy John Clendennen, in a statement this week, said the future of farming supports and a new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) is absolutely critical for the success of all involved in the agri-food sector in Offaly, a Fine Gael TD has said.

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The Kinnitty based TD said the priorities for the next CAP post 2027 outlined by Minister Martin Heydon is extremely important for the agri-food sector in Offaly.

“Experiences over the last few years, from the Covid pandemic to the war in Ukraine, to the current trade tensions with the US, have underlined the vital importance of this sector.

“Food supply chains have proved resilient, but we should not take our food, or the people who produce it here in Offaly, for granted.

“And CAP is crucial to the sector’s resilience and competitiveness so I welcome the announcement from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, on what our priorities will be,” Deputy Clendennen said.

Across the country, the agri-food sector remains our most important indigenous industry, employing over 169,000 people and supporting €19bn worth of exports.

Ireland’s current CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (CSP) has a budget of €9.8 billion, including €2.28 billion in national funds, over five years.

The future of farm supports in Offaly will be shaped by two major policy proposals to be published later this year - firstly the publication of the EU budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and subsequently the publication of proposals for a new CAP post-2027.