Walsh: Decoupling will be in by 2005

The Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh has revealed that all direct payments for livestock and certain crops will be fully decoupled between now and 2005.

Payments will be made at an on-farm level rather than being directly linked to production.

Making his announcement today, Mr Walsh said this would provide a good basis for a competitive agriculture and food industry.

The President of Macra Na Feirme, Thomas Honner, has welcomed the news this afternoon.