Time for a cap on further EU restrictions on farm families
The CAP has been central to the development of our modern, farm-family based agricultural sector. The €1.5bn per year secured in CAP until 2020 is vital to underpin farm incomes and our plans for growth.
However, the outcome of the European elections in Ireland has to lead to a fundamental re-think by European institutions and public servants about how Europe works for people. This has to include the negative impact of interference in people’s lives and businesses through EU regulation, which is often unnecessary, impractical and unreasonable.
In the case of farming, we have a raft of regulations and inspections that in the minds of most hard-working farmers is over the top and needs to be addressed. For example, the tillage sector finds itself in the ludicrous situation of having to deal with excessive greening restrictions as a result of the latest CAP reform, and land designations will continue to have a very negative impact on low-income farmers.
The strong message across Europe is that voters are unhappy with the way in which decision-makers in Brussels are failing to listen to their concerns. The next European Parliament should have a much greater level of influence. I hope the extremes of left and right do not paralyse the Parliament’s decision-making process.
Farmers want to see reduced bureaucracy and on-farm inspections as part of the new CAP.
As part of the new Charter of Farmers’ Rights, we want to see an end to duplication, the provision of 14 days’ advance notice and a yellow-card system.
European politicians will have to take a determined stand against any damaging trade deal that the Commission may try to slip through before the Parliament sits.
It is imperative that the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Ministers Bruton and Coveney immediately intervene at the highest levels in Brussels to stop any exchange of offers, currently being considered by the EU Commission President Barroso, in the Mercosur trade negotiations with Brazil and other South American states. It seems clear that President Barroso and Trade Commissioner de Gucht are determined to make a substantial EU offer on agriculture and market access during the lull between the European elections and the establishment of the new Parliament.
Such a move exposes the Irish and European beef and livestock sector. There are also significant implications for the pig and poultry sectors.
On a wider level, the imposition of draconian taxes and charges is hitting households hard.
A significant number of small, family-owned enterprises are still facing financial difficulties.
There remains a pressing need to resolve these in order to maximise the numbers employed in small enterprises. It has become clear to a small number of sole trader businesses in key sectors such as farming, retailing, pub and property that the actions of some of the banks are actively damaging their viability.
We have put forward a new protocol to address these issues and we expect a positive response from the banks.
