IFA: Viability of tens of thousands of farmers at risk under CAP reforms

The viability of tens of thousands of farmers will be put at risk if a proposal to flatten direct farm payments is approved as part of CAP reforms being negotiated by EU agriculture ministers, the IFA claims.

Several hundred farmers gathered outside Dublin Castle yesterday to demonstrate their concern about the impact this measure would have on their viability. The protest was timed to coincide with the visit of EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos.

The IFA in Cork estimates that more than 2,000 farmers gathered outside Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney’s constituency offices in Carrigaline at a similar protest on Saturday. One of their main concerns is that the policy will see funds moved from active farmers toward “hobby” farmers and inactive landlords.