| Following the address to the IFA Executive Council on Friday by the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Ciolos, IFA President John Bryan said the Commissioner was left with a clear message that the current CAP support system best suits Ireland’s existing production base. Mr Bryan welcomed the Commissioner’s commitment to secure an adequate CAP budget in Europe and said the Irish Government must ensure that our national envelope is fully protected. “The members of the Executive Council were pleased that Commissioner Ciolos has a genuine understanding of the uniqueness of the Irish family farming model, which is grass based and provides a sustainable method of food production. In the absence of any alternative proposal that protects this structure of farming, the Executive Council emphasised to the Commissioner that the existing CAP model must be retained.” Mr Bryan said members of the Executive Council were told by the Commissioner that any changes post-2013 would be very gradual and phased in over a long transition period. John Bryan said the existing CAP model has successfully maintained Ireland’s productive base and preserved the farm family structure in every rural parish across the country. “The CAP underpins the sustainable production of high quality food with guarantees on food traceability and safety, and the highest animal welfare standards. It also rewards farmers for the provision of non-market environmental public goods, including biodiversity and water quality.” “Consumers can be assured of secure, safe, traceable food which meets the highest environment and animal welfare standards. The household spend is now less than 13%, compared to 30% 30 years ago.” The IFA President said the existing national envelope for Ireland must be fully safeguarded. “With the potential of the agri-food sector now recognised as a key part of the country’s return to growth, providing certainty for farmers willing to undertake investment is critical. A strong CAP post-2013 must underpin our sustainable family farming model of production.” |
Saturday, 09 October 2010 10:01