Paul Kehoe
Ceist:174 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the provisions he proposes to make in the CAP mid-term review for retired farmers who have land leased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23952/03]
Written Answers. - Common Agricultural Policy.
Following a process of consultation with the social partners and other interested groups, I have decided that from 1 January 2005 all direct payments for cattle, sheep and arable crops as well as the dairy cow premium will be fully decoupled from production. Discussions will take place between my officials and the European Commission on the detailed rules for implementing the mid-term review agreement.
While it may be some time yet before the position is clear, my officials have already raised and will continue to raise a number of issues about farmers who have retired under the early retirement schemes and the implications for them of the decoupling and single payment proposals. By definition, retired farmers cannot activate entitlements earned during the reference period and the Commission's position is that entitlements should not be linked to land but should go to farmers who were active during that period. However, it has also indicated that it favours arrangements that family members who were not farming during the reference period but subsequently take over a holding will have access to the national reserve. My officials will continue working to secure as favourable an outcome as possible, having regard to the legitimate aspirations of all stakeholders.