European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath has said farmers will continue to have 'predictability and stability' in terms of income support under the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The commissioner was responding to a question from Agriland at the European Parliament in Strasbourg today (Tuesday, July 7).

Last year, the European Commission proposed a 20% cut in funding for the CAP which caused concern across the European Union, especially in countries that depend on agriculture for their economy.

Ireland has already outlined that its priorities for hosting the EU Presidency for the next six months are based around competitiveness, security and common values.

During Ireland's time hosting the presidency, negotiations to agree the budget for the EU from 2028-2034 will be undertaken with an optimistic view to agree on the budget by year end.

Commissioner McGrath was asked whether funding for agriculture and the CAP could be considered in one of the pillar priorities such as security, in the context of food security.

"I believe there is full recognition within the European Commission of the importance of food security and of the strategic role that this sector plays in not just the Irish economy but the wider European economy," Commissioner McGrath said.

"I think that has been reflected when you look at the structure of the MFF [EU Budget] that has been proposed; the conditions for support - Common Agricultural Policy and Fisheries Policy are specified in a specific sectoral act as well in the National & Regional Partnership Plan regulation.

"A minimum amount for farmers' income support will be ringfenced within the National & Regional Partnership Fund so that farmers will continue to have predictability and stability for their support under the CAP from the EU Budget," he added.

CAP funding

The commissioner highlighted that there have been additional measures proposed since the EU Commission initially proposed its allocation for the CAP last year.

In January, the commission proposed to member states to mobilise an additional €45 billion to support farmers and rural communities from the flexibility laid out in the Mid-Term Review.

"It is the case that every member state may not wish to use this possibility but it is there on the table and only for agriculture," the commissioner said.

"We also have the provision in the next budget that we propose to dedicate at least 10% of resources of each National and Regional Partnership Plan to rural development so this would represent close to €49 billion.

"So I think when you add up the different elements, including what was proposed by the commission back in July last year, including the €294 billion... for income supports, with the additional flexibility that was decided back in January and the funding that has been earmarked for rural development, you get to a position that is much better for farming and the CAP overall."

However the commissioner admitted that it is still at an early stage of the negotiating process and while some member states "strongly" want to protect CAP and Cohesion funding, others want to see more priority placed on competitiveness and defence.

"I'm satisfied that from a structural point of view, the CAP budget is in a good place within the MFF but of course we will be guided by the views of the member states in particular and the European Parliament in the months ahead in terms of any changes that may be considered," the commissioner said.