Commissioner Phil Hogan has been slammed by the president of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) Colm O’Donnell after an interview he gave on yesterday’s (Tuesday) Hard Shoulder programme on Newstalk.
Commissioner Hogan took to the airwaves claiming that he produced the BEAM money for Irish farmers and now they seem reluctant to apply for the money,
“This will be a bit of an embarrassment for me and weakens the case for future financial support in the event of a hard Brexit," he said.
O’Donnell hit back at his claims and accused the commissioner of being “the only one to blame if the money goes back to Brussels”.
He continued: “This funding was supposed to be for farmers affected by the market disturbance associated with the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.”
“While the announcement and its timing was seen by some as an election gimmick whatever the reason, it has now backfired and left Irish farmers unable to draw down the €100m because of conditionality drafted by the EU Commission.
So much for the 'green' Jersey
"This conditionality requires a 5% culling of suckler cows and other cattle destined for beef finishing in order to comply with the T&Cs of the scheme.”
O'Donnell added: "Commissioner Hogan was prepared to sacrifice produce from sustainable Irish suckler and beef farmers to clear the way for unsustainable South American beef to get his trade deal over the line. So much for the 'green' Jersey."
The INHFA representative has called Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to amend the BEAM scheme by removing all conditionality and barriers preventing farmers from applying for the scheme which is within his power. Additionally, he wants the Minister to extend the closing date in order to allow all 70,000 eligible farmers to apply.
Read more
Breaking: knackeries nationwide to strike on Tuesday
Over 3,000 apply for BEAM in two days
BEAM changes needed to avoid money being left behind - IFA
Commissioner Phil Hogan has been slammed by the president of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) Colm O’Donnell after an interview he gave on yesterday’s (Tuesday) Hard Shoulder programme on Newstalk.
Commissioner Hogan took to the airwaves claiming that he produced the BEAM money for Irish farmers and now they seem reluctant to apply for the money,
“This will be a bit of an embarrassment for me and weakens the case for future financial support in the event of a hard Brexit," he said.
O’Donnell hit back at his claims and accused the commissioner of being “the only one to blame if the money goes back to Brussels”.
He continued: “This funding was supposed to be for farmers affected by the market disturbance associated with the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.”
“While the announcement and its timing was seen by some as an election gimmick whatever the reason, it has now backfired and left Irish farmers unable to draw down the €100m because of conditionality drafted by the EU Commission.
So much for the 'green' Jersey
"This conditionality requires a 5% culling of suckler cows and other cattle destined for beef finishing in order to comply with the T&Cs of the scheme.”
O'Donnell added: "Commissioner Hogan was prepared to sacrifice produce from sustainable Irish suckler and beef farmers to clear the way for unsustainable South American beef to get his trade deal over the line. So much for the 'green' Jersey."
The INHFA representative has called Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to amend the BEAM scheme by removing all conditionality and barriers preventing farmers from applying for the scheme which is within his power. Additionally, he wants the Minister to extend the closing date in order to allow all 70,000 eligible farmers to apply.
Read more
Breaking: knackeries nationwide to strike on Tuesday
Over 3,000 apply for BEAM in two days
BEAM changes needed to avoid money being left behind - IFA
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