Farmers object as CAP payment details published

FARMING organisations have objected to the decision by the Department of Agriculture to publish the name and home town of farmers who received payments under the Common Agricultural Policy.

More than 500 farmers and food companies received over €100,000 each under the scheme. The details have been placed on the department’s website.

More than €2 billion was paid out under the single farm payment (SFP) scheme to Irish farmers and companies in the 12 months from October 2007 to October 2008. Among the largest beneficiaries were several major companies, according to the department’s website, www.agriculture.gov.ie.