Sowing the seeds

As the EU Commission reviews the CAP and publishes its proposals, it is vital that our representatives secure favourable terms for our farmers, says John Bryan

THE review of the Common Agricultural Policy comes at a crucial time for Irish agriculture. The proposals published by the EU Commission yesterday are happening as our roadmap for the future, Food Harvest 2020, takes shape. Its success will be determined by a CAP policy that supports active production and allows Ireland flexibility in implementing the general rules laid down by Brussels.

Before we look to the future, let us remind ourselves of what the CAP has delivered in terms of benefits to farmers and consumers.