Further CAP price reductions ‘unacceptable’

One economist says the IFA must bid for lower production costs, reports RAY RYAN.

THE decoupling of EU direct payments to farmers is the single biggest change in agricultural policy since Ireland joined the EEC in 1973, according to Con Lucey, the respected chief economist of the Irish Farmers Association.

He said it was a new situation and it was difficult to predict the reaction of farmers. Clearly, they will have more choices both with regard to the products they produce and the level of production.