An Irish MEP has called for increased funding to address the ongoing threat of animal diseases to be included in the 2026 EU Budget.

Maria Walsh, who is a member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, said that the increased allocation is necessary given the impact of animal disease outbreaks on farmers’ income and continuity.

The Fine Gael Midlands-North-West MEP submitted amendments in the EU Parliament this week pushing for more ambitious funding for small farmers and farm families as part of the next EU budget.

MEP Walsh said that setting the EU budget is "key to ensuring Irish farmers get a good deal in Europe".

"Small farmers, farm families, and rural communities form the backbone of Irish agriculture, and we must ensure they are not left behind when crises like animal disease outbreaks arise.

“In the European Parliament this week, I pushed for increased funding for animal diseases in light of the significant financial, economic and ultimately mental toll disease outbreaks can inflict on farmers.

"Prevention is better than cure, and ensuring we have the necessary resources to respond swiftly when these outbreaks occur is essential for the future of farming in Ireland and across Europe," she said.

The Irish MEP also urged the European Commission to mobilise funds outside of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), "given the multitude of challenges the EU and Irish agriculture sectors are facing".

"CAP funding is vital for ensuring a stable income for farmers, but it cannot be the only financial mechanism we rely on.

“The EU must ensure that emergency funds are available to address challenges like animal diseases without draining the essential support that farmers rely on through CAP - so that farmers have the peace of mind knowing their income is safe and secure through volatile times," Walsh added.