Ó Cuív visits Brussels to consult with EU officials on CAP

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, yesterday visited Brussels where he met with a number of key EU officials and representatives to discuss the latest negotiations on the future of CAP.

Deputy Ó Cuív’s agenda included meetings with the European Commission Agriculture Chef de Cabinet.

Deputy Ó Cuív commented: “The CAP negotiations are entering a critical phase. The result of the negotiations will shape farming in Ireland and across Europe for the next 7 years.

“It would appear from the discussions that all the main options still remain in place including the Commission’s minimum payment option; the French frontloading option and the Minister’s approximation model option.

“The aim of my meetings in Brussels was to put across the views of farmers from throughout the country that I met during the many consultation meetings I held on CAP. I also got an update on the how the current discussions on CAP are progressing .

“It would appear that there will be a fair amount of national flexibility in the final package but that the approximation model as proposed by the Minister will not be part of the final package while minimum payment and front loading is gaining traction.
“It remains to be seen following negotiations between the European Parliament, the Commission and the Minister what the final agreement will include. The co-decision process means that this is the first time the Parliament has equal power over the future of the reform and the Minister needs to respect that.”