ICMSA demands extra CAP funding

INCREASED exchequer funding of €380 million per annum will be required under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rural development programme, according to Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) president Jackie Cahill.

He said these new funding arrangements must be part of the new national agreement being negotiated by Government and the social partners.

Mr Cahill said the rural development programme, which will operate from January 2007 to December 2013, will cover an unprecedented change for agriculture both in terms of structure and markets.