A proposed 24% reduction in Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding for Irish farmers remains under negotiation, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has warned.
The warning followed confirmation from Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, that EU agriculture ministers had agreed a partial negotiating position on the CAP for 2028 to 2034. That position will provide the basis for the Council of the EU’s view as discussions begin with the European Parliament.
Funding reduction remains a concern
ICSA Rural Development chair Edmond Phelan said the proposed reduction had not been removed despite new commitments and measures included in the negotiating position. He said the potential loss for Ireland was estimated at around €2.5 billion over the 2028-2034 period.
“The problem is that we are talking about new measures and new commitments for farmers, but the proposed budget would mean around €2.5 billion less for Ireland over the period from 2028 to 2034. That is a huge reduction, and we cannot ignore it.”
Phelan said farmers needed greater clarity about how the proposed changes would affect payments. The association is particularly focused on the treatment of direct payments under a planned move towards a single funding structure, as well as the level of support available through rural development measures.
- Proposed reduction: 24% in CAP funding for Irish farmers
- Period covered: 2028 to 2034
- Estimated impact cited by ICSA: around €2.5 billion less for Ireland
Direct payments and rural development
According to Phelan, direct payments remain an important element of farm income, while support for young farmers, environmental actions and farmers dealing with crises would also need adequate backing. He argued that possible additional funding through a wider national plan could not be treated as a replacement for a properly funded CAP, particularly because there was no guarantee that such money would be directed to agriculture.
“Direct payments are a vital part of farm income. The move to a single funding structure raises questions about how direct payments and rural development supports will be protected.”
The ICSA’s position is part of the continuing negotiation rather than an announcement of a final payment change. The overall EU budget for 2028 to 2034, including the final CAP allocation, has yet to be agreed.
Phelan said the Irish Government should press for improved funding for Irish farmers during the negotiations. He linked the debate to the viability of farm businesses and to generational renewal, arguing that new entrants would need viable incomes alongside support measures if they were to take up farming.
For sheep producers in Ireland, the discussion covers the wider agricultural support framework rather than a sheep-only payment. The final outcome will determine how direct payments, environmental measures, young-farmer support and crisis assistance are funded during the next CAP period.
