IFA President Holds Discussions with Minister Coveney in Brussels on Cap Reform

IFA President John Bryan will meet the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney and his officials in Brussels today, as the negotiations on CAP post-2013 step up. The Minister is attending a meeting of the Farm Council.

John Bryan said the key issue for Irish farmers is securing a fully-funded CAP Budget for both Pillar I and Pillar II.  “Minister Coveney must take a strong position on the Budget, and intensify his efforts by building alliances with like-minded countries to secure the necessary flexibilities in CAP reform that fully support active, productive farmers.”

John Bryan said IFA is determined that the CAP post-2013 must support active farmers, underpin production and assist agriculture in contributing to our economic recovery. “Any redistribution of the Single Farm Payment cannot undermine farm viability, and must be minimal and spread out over the longest timeframe possible.  Redistribution must be targeted at Young Farmers, and at active farmers with low payments through the National Reserve, using objective criteria, with the option of coupled support for vulnerable sectors.”