Ireland North West MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher has said the political agreement brokered this week by the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Irish Presidency on the Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will have major implications here.
Mr. Gallagher said today: “I am pleased that a political agreement has been finalised under the Irish Presidency as this Reform will have major implications for farmers, their families, the agri-food sector and rural communities throughout the North West and Donegal.
“As the dust settles on the agreement it is clear that significant aspects of the new CAP including its implementation and interpretation will be down to the Irish Government and the Minister.
“Member States will be afforded the necessary flexibility under the new CAP to work with the specificities of their individual sectors. This must result in equality and fairness in the distribution of direct payments and it is essential that the Minister fully engages with farmers over the coming months to ensure that this is the case.
The political agreement includes the following provisions of importance to farmers in the North West:
1. A new system of direct payments including a move away from historical references to an area based payment and greening of 30%.
2. Flexibility for Member States to implement internal convergence whereby every farmer reaches a minimum payment of 60% of a national or regional average by 2019, with losses capped at 30%.
3. Up to 30% of basic payments under pillar one will be dependent on compliance with new Greening measures.
4. The introduction of a mandatory scheme for young farmers (those under 40) including a top up payment of up to 25% for the first five years of installation.
5. A streamline menu of rural development measures under Pillar 2 which will be co-financed by the State. Under the menu of options the State can support activity such as the LEADER programme, mountain areas, forestry, farm modernisation, farm safety, farm advisory services and innovation in the agricultural sector.
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