Cavan Senator calls 'fair and sustainable' CAP

Irish farmers are producing top-quality food to very high standards.

A “fair and sustainable” Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is needed to ensure the long-term viability of Irish Farming. That’s according to Cavan Senator Pauline Tully (SF) who was highlighting how Irish farmers produce top-quality food to very high standards in Seanad Eireann this week.

However, farming without CAP would not be sustainable,” she warned before adding: “We need a CAP that is fair to all farmers, with payments front-loaded to support small and medium sized family farms”.

Meanwhile, the local Senator went on to discuss the “disparity” in farm payments and pointed to how some farmers are receiving in excess of €100,000 per year. “In 2020, 20 farmers claimed €3.6M in payments,” continued Senator Tully.

“These were not small family farms but large farming enterprises. We need to end the inequality of payments based on outdated reference years and move towards full convergence”.

While addressing environmental concerns, she praised Irish farmers for their “willingness” to adopt sustainable practices but also stressed the need for proper compensation. “Payments and schemes like the ACRES payment must work effectively.

"Many farmers are waiting months or even years for their payments. We need a straightforward application system free of red tape and bureaucracy, with timely payments,” she added.

Senator Tully also called for details on the €5M compensation announced in the budget for “forgotten farmers” , whom she said: “Missed out on installation aid and young farmer supports.”

“While €5M is a start, we need clarity on how it will be distributed among the affected farmers,” she concluded.