Farmers unite with Walsh to challenge CAP reform

Farmers say the Fischler proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy pose the greatest challenge for Irish agriculture since we joined the EU.

The Minister for Agriculture met farm unions over two hours this morning to discuss Ireland's response to the reforms.

It was agreed that Joe Walsh will take a hard line against the plans at the Council of Minister's meeting in Brussels on Monday.

President of the IFA, John Dillon, says the Minister and farmers are united in their opposition to the plans.

"There is an agreement around the table this morning that Mr Walsh, Minister for Agriculture, is going to defend our stance by sticking to his guns.

"Mr Walsh will face Mr Fischler next Monday, that is the time where Mr Walsh's credibility will be tested."

The President of Macra na Feirme, Seamus Phelan, says the changes would be particularly tough on young farmers.

"What you are talking about really is basing the payments on a historical reference so if you are a young farmer and you are entering or wishing to expand you have no historical reference or maybe it is quite low.

"So you have to buy your right into those historical references and that is at a severe cost for any young farmer."