Farmers made their opposition to convergence and the further flattening of payments known at a CAP consultation meeting held by the Department of Agriculture in Portlaoise.In the last of three meetings seeking farmer feedback on proposed CAP reforms, farmers said convergence was taking money from full-time farmers and leaving them less viable.
Farmers made their opposition to convergence and the further flattening of payments known at a CAP consultation meeting held by the Department of Agriculture in Portlaoise.
In the last of three meetings seeking farmer feedback on proposed CAP reforms, farmers said convergence was taking money from full-time farmers and leaving them less viable.
One farmer said it could be called “the rob Peter to pay Paul scheme” and it was just the same pot of money being pushed around. Another farmer said the money was being moved to “hobby farmers and non-productive land”.
Convergence was branded “a dirty word”.
Dirty word
Paul Savage, assistant general secretary in the Department of Agriculture, said it was a matter of striking the right balance as there were two sides to the convergence argument.
The European Commission has proposed further flattening until all entitlements reach a value of 75% of the national average by 2026. As of 2019, the minimum entitlement value is 60%.
The meetings were a chance for the Department to listen to farmers’ views
According to Savage, approximately €100m had been moved between farmers to reach this point. Had there been full payment flattening, some €280m would have been moved.
The meetings were a chance for the Department to listen to farmers’ views as Ireland begins to design its CAP strategic plan.
Hostage
Farmers raised fears about the end of greening and the introduction of eco schemes. These schemes would be voluntary for farmers to enter but a significant portion of their direct payment would be lost if they opted out.
IFA Kilkenny chair James Murphy said eco schemes would be voluntary in name only as part of his direct payment “was being held hostage”.
The definition of “a genuine farmer” was also raised and Savage asked farmers to submit their views on what the definition should be.
Budget
He also referenced the overall CAP budget at several points throughout the meeting. He stressed that the Department and the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed were opposed to any cuts and were fighting proposals for a 5% cut.
Those interested can submit their feedback to the Department before 11 October 2019.
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