Land concession needed to save CAP payments

IRELAND will earn less than expected from the Fischler Reform of the CAP unless a concession can be negotiated with the EU on the land which has been taken out of farming in the years since it was last included in Area Aid applications in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Land taken out for uses such as forestry, road building, industrial and commercial developments, may total 350,000 to 400,000 acres in which case Ireland could lose up to 3% of our expected single farm payments.

The problem has been highlighted within the National Council of IFA, and IFA wants to discuss the issue with the Department of Agriculture.