Mayo IFA Chairman calls on politicians to defend CAP payments for farmers
John Lynskey warned that any reduction or weakening of CAP funding would have serious consequences for Irish and European agriculture and could ultimately lead to increased food prices for consumers
Mayo IFA Chairman John Lynskey has made a strong appeal to local and national politicians, as well as Ireland’s MEPs, to stand up and defend the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and ensure that adequate funding is maintained for farmers in the next EU budget.
Mr Lynskey said CAP payments are an essential component of farm incomes and play a vital role in supporting farmers who produce high-quality food at affordable prices for consumers.
He made these comments from his farm in Ballyveela ahead of this week’s European summit in Dublin. He warned that any reduction or weakening of CAP funding would have serious consequences for Irish and European agriculture and could ultimately lead to increased food prices for consumers.
“Food is the number one product that every citizen in the world depends on. Here in Europe, we are fortunate to have some of the highest standards of food production, supported by world-class farmers, and none better than those we have here in Ireland.
“Farmers need the support of a strong Common Agricultural Policy to continue producing safe, high- quality food at affordable prices. CAP is not simply a payment to farmers; it is an investment in food production, food security and the future of rural communities.
“We recognise that there are huge demands on the European spending budget and that difficult decisions will have to be made. However, our politicians and MEPs must recognise the importance of protecting agricultural funding.
“Without food, and without the security of a reliable food supply, everything else pales into insignificance. I am calling on all our local and national politicians, along with our MEPs, to make the defence of CAP funding a priority and to ensure that European farmers have the resources and confidence to continue producing the food that society depends on.”
Mr Lynskey concluded by stressing that food security must remain at the heart of European policy and that a strong, properly funded CAP is essential for the future of Irish farming, European agriculture and consumers alike.