Ifa hold meeting with new agriculture commissioner

Speaking from Brussels after a meeting with the new Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan this week, President Eddie Downey said IFA looked forward to working closely with him in shaping the future of the Common Agricultural Policy in a way that will have a positive impact on Irish and European farm families.

Mr Downey said an immediate issue is the impact of the Russian ban on the agriculture sector and measures that are needed to comprehensively address it.

Eddie Downey said, “There are important decisions ahead for the agriculture sector, including the future direction of the CAP, excessive EU bureaucracy, climate change restrictions, EU retail legislation and damaging trade deals. Irish and European farmers need a strong voice around the Commission table”.

“Through our Brussels office, we will work with Commissioner Hogan and his officials to secure strong support for farm families into the future. I would particularly like to welcome the appointment of Peter Power, Tom Tynan and Dermot Ryan to Mr Hogan’s Cabinet.”

“The mid-term review of the CAP will be a key opportunity to re-focus towards a common policy that supports food production and ensures a viable living for active, productive farmers. The right outcome on these policy areas will only be achieved by having a Commissioner who recognises that the direction of the CAP needs to change.”