Looking ahead to proposals for the 2028–2034 CAP period, processors warned further redistribution of CAP payments away from commercial and active farmers threatens the viability of their industry. Under the proposals, CAP payments would be reduced by 25% on amounts between €20,000 and €50,000, rising to a 75% reduction on payments above €75,000, with a hard cap of €100,000 per farmer. “While the objective of targeting support is sound, a 25% reduction kicking in at just €20,000 will disproportionately impact Ireland’s most productive full-time family farms, including larger suckler-to-beef operations and larger-scale sheep farms,” MII said. MII said CAP proposals on simplification, enhancing farmer resilience and fostering generational renewal were welcome. Under current proposals, EU member states could allocate up to 25% of the EU contribution as a coupled payment on a per-animal basis.

Source: Irish Examiner January 08, 2026 00:44 UTC