Scrutiny on farmers claiming income support payments is to be stepped up in the next CAP, with plans afoot in both Brussels and Dublin to tackle “armchair” farmers.The European Commission wants to introduce an EU-wide definition of a “genuine” farmer – which may include income tests.
Scrutiny on farmers claiming income support payments is to be stepped up in the next CAP, with plans afoot in both Brussels and Dublin to tackle “armchair” farmers.
The European Commission wants to introduce an EU-wide definition of a “genuine” farmer – which may include income tests.
However, documents from inside CAP negotiations seen by the Irish Farmers Journal reveal how other legislators want to water down the proposals.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue is closely monitoring the situation.
He told an IFA meeting that devising ways to ensure payments go to farmers actively farming will be a key issue in upcoming CAP consultations.
IFA president Tim Cullinan stated at the same meeting it was time to “grasp the nettle” and deal with the active farmer issue.
“If land is being leased long-term, we have to be brave and see where the entitlements are going,” he said.
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