Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed had “constructive discussions” with incoming Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan regarding support measures for Irish farmers in the event of a hard Brexit.

Minister Creed met with Commissioner Hogan on Monday at an EU council of agriculture ministers meeting.

Minister Creed welcomed the solidarity shown by member states and the EU institutions regarding Brexit.

Exceptional aid

“I call on the Commission to be ready to deploy an exceptional aid regulation immediately in the event of a hard Brexit,” Minister Creed declared at the meeting.

Noting the strong support shown by member states and the EU institutions, Minister Creed said: “I welcome the Commission’s commitment to make available the full spectrum of existing instruments for market supports and direct financial support to farmers.”

CAP budget

Monday’s council also considered critical aspects regarding the ongoing reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with Minister Creed highlighting the key issue of the CAP budget.

In a joint statement with 17 member states, Minister Creed called for the CAP budget to be maintained to meet the challenges faced by European agriculture.

“We must restore the CAP budget and reverse the cuts,” he said.