IFA tells EU Commission CAP must deliver better future for farm families

THE Common Agricultural Policy must deliver a better future for farm families, the 87,000-member Irish Farmers Association has told the European Commission.

In a submission to the Commission as part of a consultation process ahead of the review of the CAP in 2013, the IFA highlighted the multi-functional role of the policy for 500 million EU citizens, the environment, food producers and society generally.

Stressing that it is top of his agenda, IFA president John Bryan said he will convey his view directly to Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Damien Ciolos today. Mr Bryan said he will highlight the importance of maintaining a fully-funded, index-linked CAP budget that is directed at active farmers and the productive sector.