Taoiseach Must Be Prepared to Veto EU Budget and Reject any CAP Cuts
Speaking as he arrived in Brussels this morning, IFA President Tim Cullinan said any cut in the CAP budget would be a devastating blow for Irish farmers and rural Ireland.
“We have made it clear to the Taoiseach, who will be at the EU Council meeting today that Ireland must be prepared to veto this proposal and reject any cut in the CAP,” he said.
“We are very concerned that the current uncertainty about the formation of the next Government is distracting from this vital EU Council meeting.”
“We are in Brussels today to continue our lobbying efforts against this devastating proposal,” said the IFA President.
“This is the most significant issue for farm families for the next decade and the Taoiseach must bring his complete focus to defending Irish farmers.”
“In fact, what is needed is an increased CAP budget to at least take account of inflation and any additional asks being placed on farmers.”
The CAP brings €1.8bn in EU funds to rural Ireland each year, which is a significant injection into the rural economy.
“The viability and sustainability of thousands of family farms will be threatened if these proposals, or anything like them, are adopted by member states” he said.
