Brussels is “far removed from the reality of farm life” in Ireland, according to Offaly TD Carol Nolan, who was speaking in the Dail after the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association’s (ICMSA) hit out at new CAP simplification measures as “unconvincing.”
The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments are a crucial source of income for thousands of small farmers here, with changes, however many, specifically young farmers have called for more CAP subsidies. Some farmers argue, along with the ICMSA, that they have seen little to no benefit, and that other sections of the EU Commission continue to heap regulations on farmers.
Deputy Carol Nolan, speaking on Thursday, referred to recent polling indicating a dip in support for the EU in Ireland.
“Minister, you may have seen recent polling on Irish people’s views on the EU, and certainly it’s at historically low levels. I believe that this is due in no small part to what is now almost a cliche, and that is the bureaucratic stranglehold that Brussels has on every single aspect of our lives, particularly agriculture. There is a level of intrusion, and often just plain stupidity, that is simply eye-watering,” she said.
Deputy Nolan referred to the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association’s (ICMSA) comments relating to the European Commission’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) simplification proposals. The organisation criticised the measures as “unconvincing” after the commission on Wednesday outlined measures it was taking to boost farmers’ competitiveness.
The CAP, or Common Agricultural Policy, is the EU’s agricultural policy, designed to support farmers, ensure food security, and encourage sustainable farming practices. It’s a shared competence between the EU and its member states. The terms of the new CAP drew criticism in 2022 as under the policy, when Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said that a “few hundred farmers” would see reduced payments under the policy.
While it said that the measures may involve some minor improvements for some farmers, ICMSA President Dennis Drennan said that the overall “regulatory tide” shows no sign of easing, adding that there is “no real confidence” in the commission’s simplification plan.
He said: “We’ve seen and heard it all before and so far from the issues being simplified, they become steadily more cumbersome and complex year-on-year.”
Mr Drennan added: “The EU Commission as a simple complete entity, needs to come together and simplify the regulations while still meeting their requirements. It’s possible and must be carried through.
‘OVERLOADED LEVELS OF REGULATION’
“We have overloaded the levels of regulations on farmers and the reduction in food production across the EU is clear evidence of this. We need real simplification, not tokenism,” he added.
In February, European Commissioner for agriculture, Christopher Hansen, said that farm subsidies should be better targeted so that more money goes to younger farmers who are starting off in the industry. This would require a “rebalancing” of how CAP payments are made to farmers. He also called for changes to CAP payments to take into account the differences between farms with five hectares and those with 5,000.
“Let’s be clear, the CAP is not fit for purpose,” Nolan said. “It is a one size fits all policy designed in Brussels, far removed from the realities of farm life, while leaving Irish farmers drowning in paperwork, compliance costs, and ever-changing regulations that seem to change with the wind. The figures speak for themselves – in 2023, the average Irish family farm income was just €31,000, and for many small farms, it’s far less.
“Input costs, fertiliser, feed, fuel, have all skyrocketed, up 40 per cent since 2020 while CAP payments have barely budged. And what about the young farmers? The next generation that we’re supposed to be encouraging? The CAP’s young farmer’s scheme is a drop in the ocean. As I understand it, the current funding for the young CAP farmer’s scheme, specifically the complementary income support for young farmers under the 2023/2027 CAP strategic plans, is mandated at a minimum of three per cent of each EU country’s direct payments budget.
“This is an increase of just one per cent from the previous 2024 to 2020 period, where national authorities were required to allocate up to two per cent of their income support funding for the young farmers’ payment. Is it any wonder that young farmers are saying they do not believe that the EU rhetoric matches the reality of the crisis?”
In terms of nature restoration, Carol Nolan added: “Brussels has highlighted time and time again that there are food security issues. Surely, removing land from food production is in contradiction with that statement from the commission. And I hope that that would be challenged.”