Although the next CAP isn’t due to take effect until 2020, its structure and shape will be put in place this year. Consultation will open shortly on what interested parties want in it and it is vital that Irish farmers’ views are clearly presented in as unified a voice as possible.

It won’t just be farmers who are interested in the next CAP. Animal welfare and environmental lobbies are particularly interested. They will be making strong representations in Brussels to steer it in their direction, with less of a focus on benefits to farmers.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, in his address to the EU outlook conference, indicated a willingness to accommodate the environmental interest as part of sustainable farming with a particular interest in attracting young farmers. We are about to move into how this can be delivered and it is vital that the voice of farmers is heard.