CAP remains cornerstone of livestock farming – IFA President at Tullamore Show

SPEAKING at the Tullamore Show today, IFA President Francie Gorman said CAP remains absolutely pivotal to the future of Irish livestock farming, which is why the proposed CAP reforms announced by the EU Commission last month cannot be allowed to become reality.

He said the Government will have to lead a sustained and determined diplomatic push in Brussels to re-centre the debate around food production and the twin-pillar approach.

“The latest Teagasc National Farm survey results for 2024 show how important CAP payments are for the income of drystock farmers. Even with the increases in the last year, CAP still accounts for a very significant portion of income on the livestock side and historically has been higher than 100% of income,” he said.

Francie Gorman said CAP payments pump nearly €180m into the Midlands rural economy each year.

Our latest analysis shows that in the four counties of Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath, CAP was worth €179.75m to the local economy in 2024.

READ NEXT: Sadness at passing of one of Tullamore's most beloved citizens

“The quality of the stock on display here today is testament to the investment that farmers have made and the pride they take in what they produce. The display at Tullamore Show today simply would not exist without dedicated funding for farmers. Their efforts stretch well beyond the farmgate through the processing sector and onto our export profile. Any reduction in the CAP budget would have reverberations through the rural economy,” he said.

The IFA President criticised some of the commentary around higher prices paid to farmers over the last 12 months.

“Farmers are consumers too and they recognise the pressure this is placing on some families, but the absence in some commentary of any reference to the escalating cost of producing world-class food to the highest standards is not telling the full story. Analysis carried out by our Director of Policy Tadhg Buckley shows that the costs of production for farmers have risen 73% since 2018,” he said.

Francie Gorman said what we need is a stronger, simpler & dedicated (inflation adjusted) CAP, underpinned by the traditional two-pillar funding model. New priorities should not dampen the fundamental importance of existing ones. Agriculture, food security & rural development remain as important strategically as ever before.

“With continued and prolonged operational challenges from multiple sources, at a minimum, and in whatever format necessary, Irish farmers need the full complement of targeted Pillar I and Pillar II interventions (fully funded) currently available,” he said.

READ NEXT: End of an era as Fergie's Bar in Tullamore changes hands after 30 years

Various measures under Pillar II accounted for €75.51m (or 42%) of the overall CAP funding allocated to the Midlands last year.

Among IFA priorities are:

Pillar II measures retained (with max. national co-financing) for vulnerable sectors & strategic priorities.

The ‘costs incurred/income foregone’ approach should be changed, reflecting the min not max payment possible.

Agri-environment schemes should be available to all; practical and encompass evidence-based measures that work alongside output and efficiency; with more attractive payments provided (incl. loyalty bonus).

Francie Gorman re-iterated IFA’s opposition to the Mercosur trade deal. “Our export markets are crucial for the future of our beef sector. We will continue to look for support in other Member States for our campaign. The EU Commission spends a lot of time talking of the benefits for other sectors but omits to mention that DG Sante continues to identify shortcomings in Brazilian production systems.”