Strong Rural Development plan is welcome announcement

IFA will be looking for flexibility in the new scheme to maximise participation and minimise costs

The announcement of a strong Rural Development Programme is welcome and an important part of the IFA’s CAP campaign. It has always been focused on defending the Pillar I Single Farm Payment for active productive farmers, and securing a Rural Development budget to underpin investment and provide vital farm schemes for vulnerable sectors and regions.

The Single Farm Payment of €1.2bn and Rural Development funding of €580m per annum will be essential elements of family farm income, and will support agricultural production in delivering jobs and export growth as part of our economic recovery.