A hugely divisive reform of the Common Agricultural Policy is on the cards, which will radically reshape Irish agriculture over the coming years. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue is now under intense pressure politically over the shape of the reform, particularly from Sinn Fein. Tensions have also flared up between farm organisations with INHFA President Colm O’Donnell outlined his dismay at the suggestion made by some farm organisations that the Minister should walk away from the talks. It is stated O’Donnell “disappointing that most of our farming organisations continue to work against a deal that delivers for the majority of Irish farmers. “Many would have high entitlements per hectare, which will be hit by convergence.”He also said that Eco Schemes may prove difficult for tillage farmers to get up their points through, while there has been no reward for the good environmental work done by tillage farmers over the last few years.

Source: Irish Independent May 31, 2021 20:03 UTC