TDs, senators back farmers in Common Agricultural Policy land eligibility row

TDs and senators have broadly agreed with farmers that the confusion around land eligibility guidelines in this crucial first year of a new Common Agricultural Policy is “entirely unacceptable”.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine members called this week for talks between farm organisations, farm consultants, and officials from the relevant Government Departments, to ensure greater clarity on the eligibility of marginal land.

Representatives from the Irish Farmers’ Association, the Agricultural Consultants Association, Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, and Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association told the Committee that the eligibility of land for EU payments is highly subjective, with farm advisors, Department inspectors and EU auditors often differing in how they determine levels of farm activity on marginal land.