‘No basis to change in reference period for farm payments rumours’

THERE is no substance to rumours that the EU is considering creating a new reference period from which to measure future farm payments, Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness said yesterday.

While some Irish farmers have invested in building up cattle numbers this year, Ms McGuinness claimed there is no basis to widespread rumours that 2011 is to become the new reference period for future Single Farm Payments. The rumour has led some farmers to invest now in the hope of boosting future payments.

However, speaking in Brussels after a debate on the shape of the new CAP, the Fine Gael MEP urged farmers not to gamble on the final conclusions as there is still a long way to go in negotiations.