Co-financing a strong rural development scheme is key
Now that negotiations in Brussels have by and large concluded, the national implementation of CAP is crucial to achieving an overall result that best supports active, productive farm families.
We cannot have a successful outcome to CAP without securing a strong Rural Development Programme at home.
Following our recent Budget campaign to retain tax reliefs, to prevent further cuts to vital farm schemes, and to secure renewed support for the suckler sector, I am now focusing all of our efforts on securing 50:50 co-financing from the exchequer for the next Rural Development Programme.
Under the proposed EU Budget for 2014-2020, Ireland will receive an EU funding allocation for Rural Development of approximately €313m each year for seven years. Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney must ensure that the Government comes forward with 50:50 national co-financing, with national top-ups. This is necessary to ensure we have funding in place to provide meaningful support in Disadvantaged Areas, agri-environment schemes, vulnerable sectors, and investment for growth.
A clear commitment now from the Government would send a positive signal to the farming community, particularly those who have been most affected by cuts in funding to farm schemes since 2008. It would also allow a more informed debate to take place in relation to both Pillar I and Pillar II, and ensure that the national CAP implementation plans deliver the best possible outcome for farm families. Rural Development operates as a complementary structure to the Single Farm Payment, and plays an important role in the farm enterprises in certain sectors and regions. The Disadvantaged Areas scheme acts as a vital income support for farms operating in marginal land area, maintaining farm activity and output and contributing to rural areas which otherwise would be under serious threat.
Commitments on funding would ensure a properly supported Disadvantaged Areas scheme would be retained, along with agri- environment programmes, including an upland scheme and funding for farmers who are restricted in Natura and SAC areas.
Those leaving REPS4 this year do not have an agri-environment programme and this will have a direct impact on their income. IFA has argued for a rollover of plans for one year for the 13,000 farmers who finish their contracts this year until such a time as a new scheme is put in place.
IFA is looking for a budget of €250m per year, with access for up to 50,000 farmers in a new agri-environment scheme.
For young farmers, installation aid should be reintroduced, providing an important funding support as they commence their careers. In addition restructuring measures could be put in place to help address the ageing farm population by encouraging new entrants and land mobility. Other innovative measures such as discussion and producer groups and measures for on-farm investment across all sectors of farming must be supported.
The next number of weeks are vital and a strong Government commitment on co-financing is required. The Rural Development Plan must be submitted to Brussels in early 2014. IFA wants the measures to be in place for the full seven years of the programme unlike the current one.
* John Bryan is president of the Irish Farmers Association.
