Farmers’ group rejects CAP reform proposals

Proposals by the European Commission to reform the Common Agricultural Policy are unacceptable to Ireland, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association.

John Bryan, the IFA president, speaking yesterday on the eve of the National Ploughing Championships at Heathpark, New Ross, Co Wexford, said the proposed reforms would decimate the incomes of tens of thousands of the most productive farmers.

They will also slash the rural development funding that is critical to vulnerable sectors and regions, he said.