Proposals to slash CAP budget by 14% angers farm groups

A local TD has called on the Taoiseach to protect small farmers at Thursday’s European Council meeting after plans emerged that the council's president plans to cut the CAP budget by 14%.
According to leaked reports, President of the European Council Charles Michel intends to present his plans to allocate just €329.3 billion to the 2021-2027 budget; a reduction of over €50 billion. The plan would hit Pilllar 1 payments, such as direct payments (BPS) and ‘Greening’ subsidies by at least 10%. The report also directs money to a new environmental and climate action programme, a new Just Transition Fund, and other agri programmes.
Farming bodies are united in condemning the proposals, leaked by Agriland, with IFA President Tim Cullinan insisting “it would be devastating blow for Irish farmers and rural Ireland and must be rejected”.
Likewise ICSA President Edmond Phelan was "dismayed" at the direction of budget talks which he slammed as “totally unacceptable”.
“ICSA is calling on the Taoiseach to strongly resist this. It is entirely unacceptable that farmers will be asked to do a lot more on climate change which will cost them money but the budget to support the CAP could be cut so severely.  We also need a strong signal from the EU Parliament that it will not support this budget proposal,” said Mr Phelan. 
These sentiments were echoed by Deputy Brendan Smith, who said that if the proposals proved accurate it would represent "a massive blow for Irish farmers".
The Fianna Fáil TD said: “While Government formation talks are front and centre here, the Taoiseach must remember that for the time being he has a job to do in Europe and that is to protect Irish farming interests. 
“CAP is a cornerstone of the EU. It secures the livelihoods of farmers across the continent including 137,500 family farms in Ireland. CAP ensures that people have a safe, secure supply of food and ensures farming families can survive and progress. 
“As it stands, the proposals for Thursday’s meeting contain a significant cut in the CAP budget. Let me be very clear, farmers cannot withstand any cuts.
The former agricultural minister also vowed: “I have long advocated for a fair income for farmers in the new CAP post 2020.”