Comiskey welcomes new Rural Development Programme as part of €12.5 billion support for Agricultural sector

Fine Gael Sligo Leitrim Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture Michael Comiskey today (Tuesday) welcomed confirmation that €1.9 billion in national funding would be available to add to €2.2billion of EU funding in order to design a new rural development programme for the period 2014 – 2020.  This funding forms part of the overall €12.5 billion in Common Agricultural Policy and exchequer funding to the agricultural sector under the new CAP programme .  

“This level of funding is very significant in a time of competing resources.   These funds will be vital in delivering on farm investment and enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-food sector for the period up to 2020 and beyond.    

“Central to this programme will be a new agri-environmental scheme (GLAS) which will build upon progress already made under the previous REPS and AEOS.   The new scheme will provide a maximum payment of €5,000 for up to 50,000 farmers with a further payment of €2,000 for more challenging actions.

“In addition, as part of the package of measures outlined, Minister Coveney reaffirmed the Government’s strong support for disadvantaged areas committing payments of €195 million per year.  

“Today’s announcement contains a range of positive measures aimed at supporting farmers and further growing our indigenous food and drink industries.   The level of funding reflects the Government’s strong commitment to maintaining farm incomes and continuing investment in our rural communities.  

“I would like to thank the Minister and his Department for their level of commitment to this process which included the CAP reform negotiations.   Agriculture has already demonstrated its capacity to assist in the economic recovery of Ireland and this new package of measures will ensure that this recovery is felt by all regions across the country.”