Ireland set to oppose CAP reform

Ireland is set to oppose the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy when the mid-term review is published later today in Brussels.

Farmers here are fearful that the proposals may further erode their income.

Two major reforms are expected in EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler's mid-term review.

The first will mean that CAP budgets are reduced by 20%, and this money will be used to develop rural initiatives aimed at farmers.

Ireland is unhappy with this proposal, as the Government believes there is already money earmarked for such developments, and it is concerned that the money would not necessarily go to farmers.

The second change will be de-coupling, where farmers will receive an annual payment from the EU based on historic payouts, instead of the number of animals a farmer currently holds.

The Dept of Agriculture has acknowledged that this will cut out red tape, but is awaiting the details before issuing an official response.