Farm groups criticise EU presidency proposal over CAP cuts

The proposed CAP allocation remains €293bn, compared with the €500bn the Irish Farmers’ Association argues farmers need. File picture: Larry Cummins

Farm organisations have criticised Ireland’s EU presidency proposal for failing to reverse proposed cuts to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget for 2028–2034.

The proposed CAP allocation remains €293bn, compared with the €500bn the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) argues farmers need.

IFA president Francie Gorman said the original European Commission proposal represented a 22% cut to the CAP budget and a 24% reduction in Irish payments, and the presidency proposal had not improved this position.

“Farmers will feel the EU is turning their back on farming and that the Irish Government is not delivering for them,” he said.

ICMSA president Denis Drennan described the approach as “defeatist”, arguing food security must be treated as part of European defence and resilience.

The organisations’ criticism comes ahead of discussion by EU leaders on October 15, with European farm organisations also due to meet in Stockholm.

The proposed allocation forms part of negotiations on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework, rather than an agreed budget.

Farm organisations are seeking stronger protection for agricultural funding as negotiations continue, warning the proposed reductions would undermine support for farmers at a time when Europe is placing greater emphasis on security and resilience.