Bryan calls on Government for 50:50 co-funding under CAP deal

IFA president John Bryan has called on the Government to provide 50:50 co-funding to deliver a joint EU/Irish annual budget of €660m under CAP Pillar II measures.

He was speaking in advance of what is expected to be a giant IFA farmers’ rally at 5pm today in Mullingar Park Hotel, Co Westmeath. He invited all farmers to attend the rally and to support the bid to secure strong State funding for the rural development programme.

Mr Bryan said the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney confirmed that the Government will decide on CAP Pillar II funding and plans by mid-December.

Professor Alan Renwick from UCD and Thea Hennessy from Teagasc will make presentations to the rally on the impact of direct payments on farm income, agricultural production and employment in the rural economy.

Mr Bryan said the new Rural Development Plan (2014-2020) must put strong farm schemes in place, including Disadvantaged Areas, Agri-Environment (REPS/AEOS), Suckler Cow and Sheep payments.

IFA outlined the importance of a fully-funded RDP programme to provide investment aid to support modernisation.