IFA President Francie Gorman has voiced concerns over the EU Commission's plans to unveil the draft Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and new CAP proposals, potentially as early as July. The Commission is reportedly advancing a 'single fund approach' for the MFF, moving away from a designated CAP budget. Commissioner Hansen, at the EU Vision for Agriculture Conference, stated that proposals for the next CAP program will be presented alongside the MFF, which outlines new EU budget parameters.
Gorman remarked, "To compound matters, all signs are that the Commission is still hell bent on a single fund structure which, if approved, would be the beginning of the end of CAP as we know it. The concerning issue is that we have had little or no consultation on what the new CAP proposals could entail."
He further noted that while the EU Commission emphasizes simplification, risk management, and attracting the next generation, this approach to CAP could undermine the stability it provides to numerous farm families across Europe.
The IFA is hosting a CAP event on Tuesday, May 13th at Killashee Hotel in Naas at 7.30 pm, featuring Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon as the keynote speaker. Gorman urged farmers to attend, emphasizing the importance of conveying to the Minister that CAP funding should not be compromised in favor of other areas, especially amid global geopolitical uncertainties.
For more information:
IFA
Tel: +353 1 450 0266
Email: [email protected]
www.ifa.ie