IFA Sets Out Key Priorities For Irish Health Check
UK - The key priorities for Ireland in the CAP Health Check are no modulation cuts to the Single Farm Payment, a loosening of milk quota restrictions for Irish dairy farmers and a €30 per ewe sheep maintenance payment according to IFA President Padraig Walshe.
11 November 2008
2 minute read
With the EU Farm Council Meeting on November 19th and 20th set to decide on the Health Check, Padraig Walshe said the Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith, must go all out to secure delivery on these vital issues for Ireland.
Padraig Walshe said, “Ireland is totally opposed to any increase in compulsory modulation. A modulation cut to the Single Farm Payment is a direct income cut for Irish farmers. Already farmers have suffered an initial 3% cut in their SFP from the national reserve and force majeure.”
He said there is already a 5% modulation cut per annum taken off of every farmer’s Single Farm Payment over €5,000 and farmers would not tolerate any more modulation cuts and see the money wasted on useless projects.
In view of the EU Policy to slash dairy market supports, Padraig Walshe said the only option for dairy farmers is an increased milk quota and an update in Ireland’s butterfat adjustment.
Padraig Walshe said at the major IFA Sheep Farmers’ Conference in Tullamore ten days ago, it was made abundantly clear to Minister Smith that he must deliver a €30 per ewe sheep maintenance payment plus an additional payment in hill areas from the CAP Health Check.
The IFA President said it is well recognised and accepted across Europe that the Sheep Sector is in crisis and a €30 sheep maintenance payment is essential to protect its future.
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