Further cuts to CAP funding put EU food security and Irish farmers at risk
'This continual reduction in dedicated CAP funding threatens the ability of Irish and EU farmers to produce food to the highest standards in the world,' - Kathleen Funchion, MEP.
Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has expressed concerns about the scale and pace of the proposed changes to the Common Agricultural Policy, warning that farmers could face delayed payments and reduced investment supports.
MEP Funchion said: “The Common Agricultural Policy was established in 1962 to guarantee food security across the European Union, ensuring we would never again be reliant on imports from the rest of the world.
“Yet we have seen its budget steadily eroded, from 73% of the total EU budget in 1980 to just 31% today.
"The proposal for the next CAP post-2027 points to a further cut of around 20%, and that should concern every farmer and every citizen who values food security.
“This continual reduction in dedicated CAP funding threatens the ability of Irish and EU farmers to produce food to the highest standards in the world.
“Food security is fundamental. We have recently seen the dangers associated with imports from outside the EU, including the recall of Brazilian beef containing growth hormones.
“The EU cannot allow itself to become dependent on food imports from countries where we have little control over production or safety standards, as would be the case under agreements such as Mercosur.
“Investing in agriculture and food production is more important now than ever. A strong CAP, backed by a robust and protected budget, is essential to safeguarding Europe’s long-term food security.
“CAP must continue to operate under its established two-pillar structure, maintaining both direct payments to farmers and rural development supports.
“We are also concerned about the scale and pace of the proposed changes. This week, concerns raised by the European Court of Auditors suggest that farmers could face delayed payments and reduced investment supports. Farmers cannot operate under uncertainty.
“Payments must be timely, predictable and clearly allocated. The introduction of a new system within such a short timeframe risks creating further bureaucratic problems and administrative delays.
“Sinn Féin is calling on the European Commission to safeguard CAP funding, protect LEADER and community-led programmes, simplify administration and provide certainty throughout the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
“Rural Ireland must remain strong, vibrant and sustainable, and that begins with a properly funded and protected Common Agricultural Policy.”
