Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2014
242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he has examined the effect of Common Agricultural Policy reform throughout the agricultural sector with particular reference to the degree to which family farm enterprises continue to be protected as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49424/14]
View answerI am satisfied that farm families in Ireland will benefit from the reformed CAP. Data from Teagasc’s National Farm Survey shows that direct payments accounted for 77% of family farm income on average in 2013, and are even more significant as a source of income for drystock farms, particularly those in disadvantaged areas. The environmental focus of supports under CAP reform, with a ‘greening’ payment under Pillar I and funding for the new GLAS scheme under Pillar II, will enhance the sustainability of Irish farms. The enhanced support for young farmers under both Pillars, in conjunction with the Budget changes recently introduced following from the Agri Taxation review, should encourage greater land mobility and earlier transfer to young trained farmers.
