CAP review must consider farming's role in rural economy

Up-coming proposals on CAP reform must recognise the impact that Pillar II Rural Development measures play in supporting farmers and the rural economy, according to the IFA. IFA Rural Development chairman, James Spears, said that a crucial aspect of the reform proposals is the allocation of funding for Pillar II measures. "In the forthcoming negotiations, the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney must secure a level of funding which reflects past performance and the need to support agriculture's role in the rural economy. In the current Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, Ireland will draw down €350m per annum, or almost €2.5bn over the seven year period." See this week's Celt for more...