Decoupling would ‘ruin’ EC proposal

THE concept of partial decoupling, where the link between production and direct payments is severed, would make a dog’s dinner of a key EC proposal to reform the Common Agricultural Policy, it was claimed yesterday.

Decoupling is one of the main reform proposals put forward by EU Farm Commissioner Franz Fischler. But the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA), the only Irish farm body to favour the idea, said it was concerned a form of partial decoupling was discussed at this week’s meeting of EU agriculture ministers.

Recently-elected ICSA president John Deegan said what Germany is in effect now proposing would be the worst of all worlds.