Coveney to give reaction to CAP reform proposals at dairy show

AGRICULTURE Minister Simon Coveney will open the National Dairy Show and speak at the Pfizer Animal Health Farming Forum on October 15, in Millstreet, Co Cork.

It will be an early opportunity for the minister to give his reaction to the European Commission’s official proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, which will be published on October 12.

Many Irish farmers have been alarmed by leaked draft versions of the proposals, suggesting a new 2014 basis and a move to a flat rate per hectare for Ireland’s €1.3 billion of farm income support from the EU.