Longford MEP warns of critical months for family farms as CAP negotiations begin
Mr Mullooly has laid down four key demands which he says must be delivered in negotiations on the future Common Agricultural Policy, warning that Europe cannot afford to weaken its farming sector.
Longford MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the coming months will be critical in determining the future level of support available to Irish and European family farms.
The Lanesboro native was speaking as the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee begins detailed consideration of amendments to the Lins report on the future CAP.
The Midlands-North-West representative said the amendments he has tabled are focused on protecting the CAP budget, active farmers, livestock production, vulnerable farming regions and the next generation of farmers.
Mr Mullooly has laid down four key demands which he says must be delivered in negotiations on the future Common Agricultural Policy, warning that Europe cannot afford to weaken its farming sector at a time of growing geopolitical instability.
Speaking during the AGRI meeting this morning, the Midlands-North-West MEP outlined the amendments he has tabled as negotiations now continue on the future direction and funding of the CAP.
Mr Mullooly told the AGRI Committee his first priority is to ensure CAP money remains protected exclusively for agriculture rather than being placed in competition with other areas of national spending.
“I want to be clear about the key issues here for me and the amendments I have tabled. Firstly, CAP funding must remain ring-fenced for farmers. Agriculture cannot be forced to compete with other national spending priorities.
"We must protect the two-pillar structure.”
Mr Mullooly said the definition of an active farmer must also recognise the reality of modern farming, including those who supplement their farm income through other work or receive a pension.
“Secondly, protecting farmers, the active farmer, the needs of those who have invested in full-time enterprise are respected.
"But a farmer should not be excluded simply because they have a dual income, they're working part-time or receiving a pension. If they're actively farming, they must remain eligible for support.”
Mr Mullooly also called for explicit protection for Ireland’s livestock and grass-based farming system, alongside farmers operating in areas where environmental, geographical and land constraints make farming particularly challenging.
“Thirdly, protect livestock and grass-based farming, including recognition of the important role grazing plays in maintaining our countryside and habitats.
"We must also defend hill, Commonage and Natura farmers who face those additional constraints.”
He said the next CAP must also provide the financial backing required to bring younger people into farming, support succession and allow farms to continue investing for the future.
“We need properly funded simplification, generational renewal, succession and investment to keep farms viable.”
Mr Mullooly warned that the debate over the future of the CAP ultimately comes down to Europe’s ability to produce its own food.
“Food security must underpin everything we do in this process, and especially in a time of geopolitical instability, let us not gamble with the most essential element of human survival: our food.”