Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand that, within the next number of weeks, the CAP strategic plan will have to be submitted to the European Commission and, I presume, that goes to the Government for approval before submission to Europe.

As we know, since we joined the then EEC in 1973, the Common Agricultural Policy has been of huge importance to our farming and agrifood sector, to the rural economy and to the overall national economy. Thankfully we have record levels of drink and food exports today and they are critical to the creation and maintenance of employment throughout the country.

To the credit of the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, he has been engaged in a widespread consultation process but there is one proposal on a reduction in pillar 1 funding by 25% and a transfer to pillar 2. It is extremely important that farmers who are regarded as being in the productive sectors, be they dairy, beef, sheep or tillage farmers, continue to get the necessary supports. We all know that prices can be cyclical and income can depend on weather each season as well. Over the years the Common Agricultural Policy has been a hugely important factor in trying to keep farm incomes reasonable, although unfortunately they have not always been good due to external circumstances. It is important that in finalising the Common Agricultural Policy we take cognisance of what has worked for the Irish farming and agrifood sector over the years. I have said for many years that there has been a lazy and at times ill-informed narrative on farming and its importance, as well as its contribution to environmental standards. Our farmers work to extremely high and demanding standards, and rightly so, both from an environmental point of view and also from the point of view of farming practices, as do our processing sectors. The necessary support that has been provided over the years must continue.

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