Beef payments’ solution vital
Mr Dillon said the beef premium overshoot, which occurred in December 2004, is a direct result of the EU policy changeover to full decoupling and Irish farmers cannot lose out as a result.
He said the former EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler told Irish farmers there should be no losses involved in the EU policy changeover to full decoupling.
“The Minister for Agriculture and Food must ensure this commitment is now honoured by the EU Commission,” he said.
IFA Livestock Committee chairman John Bryan said farmers are facing cuts from €53 to €78 per animal, in many cases more than the margin.
“Some producers are facing real financial hardship as a result of these cuts,” he said, pointing out that the cutbacks affect 29,000 farmers with producers facing an average penalty of €3,295.
Mr Bryan said the IFA will make a presentation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture next week. It will also lobby TDs and senators.
Fine Gael agriculture and food spokesperson, Denis Naughten TD, said there have been no positive indications on the issue from either Minister Mary Coughlan or the EU Commission, leaving many farmers in limbo.
“It is imperative this issue is prioritised before negotiations on the rural development budget and sugar reform later this month divert attention away from the plight of beef farmers,” he said.
