Countries will support Ireland in CAP reform

An Irish proposal for redistribution of the single farm payment will be backed by Spain, Portugal, and Italy in CAP negotiations, according to Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

And Mr Coveney said, “Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, and the Netherlands have a similar problem to Ireland, in that they do not want to see this dramatic redistribution of supports for farmers,” referring to the European Commission’s proposed move to a flat-rate system.

A national flat rate would result in about 76,000 Irish farmers gaining 86% on average, while about 57,000 would lose an average of 33%.