Good deal for young farmers critical focus for CAP review
It is now universally acknowledged that the number of young farmers, at 6.5% of all farmers, is just too low to sustain Irish farming.
Therefore, we have been forthright in our response to the European Council of Ministers’ agreed position which falls short of copper fastening young farmers as a key priority in the reform process. Their position provides for ‘up to 2%’ not ‘a minimum of 2%’ of a top of the Single Farm Payment for young farmers.
Also young farmers have lost their status as a stated priority in the national reserve. These key points must be challenged in the forthcoming trilogue negotiation.
Macra does acknowledge and welcome the strong support from the other farm organisations, particularly the IFA, for young farmers.
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), in its various shapes over the years, has been a support to farmers, who are the food producers for society.
Irrespective of the various emphases (coupled support, decoupled support, welfare and environmental benefits), we must not lose sight of this fundamental priority ie the need to support food producing farmers.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense for Macra to hold the position that the Single Farm Payment should continue to be targeted at the active food producing farmer.
Despite attempts by some quarters to identify divisions between the main farm organisations, Macra is at one with the IFA on this point.
If the CAP policy shifts fundamentally from supporting the active food producing farmer, it will become increasingly difficult to justify to Irish and European consumers.
Alan Jagoe, president of Macra, states: “We as Irish farmers must stand together and secure the best deal for Irish farming, a deal which provides for young farmers and a deal that strongly supports the active farmer.”
