Single Fund Approach & Rushed CAP Proposals Massive Concerns
IFA President Francie Gorman has expressed deep concern at EU Commission plans to announce the draft Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), possibly as early as July, and to bring forward rushed new CAP proposals at the same time.
The Commission also appears to be pushing ahead with their ‘single fund approach’ to the MFF rather than having a designated CAP budget. Speaking at yesterday’s EU Vision for Agriculture Conference, Commissioner Hansen indicated that it’s the Commission’s intention to set out proposals for the next CAP programme in tandem with proposals for the MFF – which sets out the new EU budget parameters.
“To compound matters, all signs are that the Commission is still hell bent on a single fund structure which, if approved, would be the beginning of the end of CAP as we know it. The concerning issue is that we have had little or no consultation on what the new CAP proposals could entail,” said the President.
Francie Gorman said the EU Commission talks about simplification, risk management and attracting the next generation, but this approach to the CAP will undermine the security it brings to millions of farm families around Europe.
IFA is organising a CAP event next Tuesday, May 13th in Killashee Hotel in Naas at 7.30pm at which the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon is the keynote speaker.
“I would encourage farmers to attend on Tuesday night so we can deliver a message to our Minister that CAP cannot be sacrificed so the EU can instead divert funds to other areas. A fully-funded CAP is critical to Irish and European farmers which is even more vital now given the geopolitical uncertainties across the globe,” concluded the President.
