Minister and farmers divided on plans

IRISH reaction to the EU Commission’s new CAP document has been widely divergent – broadly welcomed by the Government, but slammed by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Brendan Smith said the reforms met with the three strategic aims he had sought from the Commission: security of food supply, sustainable management of natural resources and maintenance of viable rural areas.

“I have had a number of meetings with the Commission and I am pleased to say that at least some of my concerns have been allayed, notably concerning the continuation of the decoupled direct payments to farmers.