Support growing for ‘Day of Action’ protest next month, says IFA

Support is growing for the Day of Action planned for Oct 9, according to the protest day’s organisers, the IFA.

With EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos to meet Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney in Dublin tomorrow, IFA president John Bryan has described the European Commission proposals on the reform of the CAP as totally unacceptable to Ireland.

Mr Bryan said the proposed changes will decimate the incomes of tens of thousands of the most productive farmers. He also criticised plans to slash the rural development funding, which he described as critical to vulnerable sectors and regions.

“The negotiations on the CAP post-2013 are up for decision soon and the EU Budget is under threat. The Irish government must retain 100% of Ireland’s national envelope from Europe so that the Single Farm Payment and Rural Development measures are maintained.

“There is huge solidarity to fight for the future of CAP funding and the retention of farm schemes, both of which play a vital role in supporting farm production and incomes. Previous cuts to farm schemes have been totally disproportionate, and are now hitting the lowest income sector of agriculture hard. Farmers are sending a message to Minister Coveney that he cannot cut the schemes any further.”

The IFA leader said that a large number of farmers at last weekend’s Iverk Show expressed their support for both the Day of Action and the related resistance to proposed reforms to the CAP. The IFA has pledged to resist the proposed cuts, stating that Irish farming supports 300,000 jobs and €9bn of exports.

Mr Bryan said: “The sector will not be able to reach its growth potential if farm incomes are not defended at home and in Brussels, and unless the retailers are challenged. The future of our rural economy depends on a viable farming sector. The Day of Action on October 9 is an opportunity for all farm families to take a stand and secure their future.”