Minister delivers strong deal for Irish farmers – McEntee

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has said the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD, has delivered a strong deal for Irish farmers through the conclusion of negotiations on a new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). Deputy McEntee said the deal, which was reached in Brussels last night following marathon talks led by Minister Coveney, contains positive provisions for young farmers.

“This is a strong deal for Irish farmers and, crucially, it is a much better package of measures than the proposals originally put forward by the European Commission. Rather than a system of flat rate payments a much fairer distribution system has been agreed. The deal will see €12 billion in EU support for Irish agriculture over the next seven years.

“It is particularly significant that this deal was reached before Ireland hands over the EU Presidency at the end of June. The Presidency had been identified by the Minister and Irish negotiators as a crucial period to progress Ireland’s objectives in the negotiations. I have no doubt that Minister Coveney’s chairmanship of the group of agriculture ministers has had a positive impact on the outcome of these negotiations. This is a very significant achievement for the Irish EU Presidency.

“There was a lot of concern amongst farmers about the Commission’s proposal for a flat rate payments system. However, under the final deal, Member States can opt for the partial convergence model recommended by Ireland combined with a 60% minimum payment, which represents a very good outcome for Irish farmers.

“The package is particularly positive for young farmers, as it includes a mandatory 25% top-up payment for farmers under 40. This will act as a significant incentive for young men and women considering entering the farming sector, and it should help to inject some additional youth into Irish agriculture.

“Positive progress has also been made on the greening of CAP. From now on 30% of the Single Farm Payment will be linked to greening measures. This approach was proposed by Ireland, and will also minimise the impact on direct payments. The lifting of sugar quotas from 2017 is also something that should be warmly welcomed from Ireland’s point of view, particularly in relation to the efforts to bring the sugar industry back to Ireland.

“The redistribution of payments was always going to be the most contentious element of the new CAP deal for Irish farmers. However, I am confident that Minister Coveney has delivered the fairest deal possible, by reaching an agreement to combine the Irish model with the 60% minimum payment.

“I would like to commend Minister Coveney and his negotiating team for their work on delivering this deal.”

ENDS