It is not possible for low-value payment entitlements to be increased unless high-value entitlements are decreased, the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) has said.

Speaking on return from a visit to Brussels, INHFA president Colm O’Donnell said EU Commission officials confirmed “it is definitely not possible to have upwards-only convergence”.

O’Donnell said: “All Irish farmers deserve to hear the full facts on convergence with regard to what it means, how it is structured and how the only way payments can converge upwards is if payments at the top level travel downwards.”

Upwards only

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has been calling for a model of upwards-only convergence, with many of their presidential candidates echoing those calls throughout the campaign.

Under EU regulations, all direct payments in Ireland had to reach at least 60% of the national average entitlement value of €265 (including Greening). Further convergence, to 75% of the average, is planned by the Commission for the next CAP.

However, the implementation of the new policy has been delayed due to ongoing budget negotiations. In the meantime, transition regulations have been announced to ensure farm payments can continue.

Continued payments

O’Donnell said the convergence of payments could continue during the transition period and stated that the INHFA was “adamant that this should happen”.

He said the Minister for Agriculture and the Department would be charged with setting convergence rules for next year and possibly 2021.

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