TD calls for CAP payments to be front-loaded to help small farmers
The Roscommon-South Leitrim TD has urged the Government to change its proposals on CAP reform, which must be agreed by August 1, as set by the EU.
“These proposals will see some farmers getting €150 per hectare while others will only receive €45 per hectare for doing exactly the same work,” he said. “Small farmers yet again are losing out. It’s social capitalism for rich farmers. I would like to see payments being front- loaded so that all farmers received payments for the first 20 hectares and nothing after that. Farmers shouldn’t be paid for what they’ve done historically. If payments were front-loaded it would be simpler and involve less paperwork.”
Mr Flanagan also accused the IFA of “playing the tune of the rancher but not the farming family”, and called for a boycott on mart levies paid to the farming association.
He plans to seek a Dáil debate on the CAP next week.
