Agriculture Committee discuss Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) negotiations

The Committee will meet with representatives from:

• The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA)
• Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA)
• Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA)
• Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA), and
• Macra na Feirme.

The meeting at 12:30 pm will be broadcast from Committee Room 1 of Leinster House.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Cathaoirleach, Jackie Cahill TD, said: “The Common Agricultural Policy is a crucial component of keeping farming alive and kicking in Ireland. We must ensure that farmers, agri-businesses, and the food industry are on solid ground in terms of the CAP policy, and we must not allow post-Brexit issues hinder the overall agriculture and food industry in Ireland. Despite the importance of food production, farmers’ income is around 40% lower compared to non-agricultural income. CAP acts by providing income supports, market reassurance measures and rural development measures with assistance through national and regional programmes to address the specific needs and challenges facing rural areas. CAP ensures the viability of farming as an industry in Ireland. Providing security during the lifespan of the reformed policies is essential and our input into the negotiations will go a long way to help.”

The Cathaoirleach added: “The Committee and I look forward to hearing from the representatives of farming bodies. We will listen to the farmers and their representative bodies about what really needs to be discussed at the CAP negotiations table. With the provisional start date of the proposed CAP reform being pushed back to 1 January 2023, we have some time to find out what really needs to be on the agenda.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

You can view the meeting in Committee Room 1 on the Oireachtas website.

More information can be found on the dedicated Committee Webpage. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.

ENDS//

Jason Kiernan, Committee Press Officer,
Houses of the Oireachtas, Kildare Street, Dublin 2

Landline: 01-6184486
Mobile: 086-7015235

Email: jason.kiernan@oireachtas.ie
pressoffice@oireachtas.ie