The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and food security topped the agenda as senior Fine Gael representatives met with European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen today (Sunday, September 6).

The meeting took place as the commissioner visited Flynn’s tomato farm in Swords, Co. Dublin.

The Fine Gael delegation included Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TDs Grace Boland and Paula Butterly, MEPs Maria Walsh and Regina Doherty, along with chair of the Fine Gael National Agricultural, Food, and Marine Forum, Eddie Downey.

CAP

Minister Heydon said negotiations on the CAP post-2027 "continue to progress along within the wider context of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations".

"Negotiations are still ongoing, and from a CAP regulation perspective, as Ireland now holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we are building on the progress achieved to date by engaging with member states to better understand their priorities and identify the issues requiring further discussion.

"Over the coming months, we will continue to work closely with member states and the European Commission to maintain momentum in the negotiations, progress the remaining elements of the CAP regulation and build consensus on the future CAP framework.

"We want to get the best possible deal for Irish farmers and everyone involved with agriculture to ensure a successful key sector of our economy thrives into the future," he said.

The minister is currently hosting a three-day informal meeting of EU agriculture ministers in Dublin.

Food security

Eddie Downey, chair of Fine Gael’s National Agricultural, Food, and Rural Development Forum, stressed the need to target funding "to strengthen food security on farms across Ireland and Europe".

"We must continue to support farmers and farm businesses and give them the support they need.

"I raised farmers’ concerns about CAP and food security with the commissioner and I look forward to seeing progress on these issues," he said.