Macra na Feirme has said that proposed cuts to the CAP for the 2021-2027 period undermines all commitments made by member states on either environmental supports or commitment to safe affordable food.

“To propose increases to the likes of big tech companies and the European space programme while cutting something so essential to European citizens as safe food and environmental protection makes a mockery of commitments by the European states,” Macra president Thomas Duffy has said.

Reject

The young farmers group rejects the suggestions that this multiannual financial framework (MFF) proposal could be called a just transition.

Cuts to Pillar I funding jeopardises the work of farmers to meet increasing regulatory demands, while cutting pillar II funding devastates ambition for environmental and social efforts under the Rural Development Programme, it said.

“Redistributing farmer payments while cutting the total budget is the exact opposite of the principle of just transition, regardless of what name the European Council puts on a small fund,” Duffy said.

Agri-food and beverages make up 10% of Ireland’s exports and 7.7% of total employment

Macra urged all sectors and all other member states to reject the proposals.

Citing the fact that agri-food and beverages make up 10% of Ireland’s exports and 7.7% of total employment in 2019, Duffy highlighted that a huge number of people rely on primary producers for their survival.

“The Taoiseach must strongly reject this proposal and stand up for both farmers and those who wish to protect the environment.

"Our government must stand strongly against the so-called frugal five and the attempts to undermine CAP by refusing to increase contributions to the European community,” he said.

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