Farmers face loss of CAP grants in EU funding row

IRISH farmers stand to lose part of their income under the latest proposals for funding the European Union for the next eight years.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has come out strongly against the plan that would see money earmarked for CAP payments to farmers in 15 member states having to cover those in Bulgaria and Romania when they join in 2007.

Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness estimates this would mean a 4% cut in single farm payments at a time when the subsidies have been frozen.