Govt may consider EU competitiveness fund for agriculture

The Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, suggested that the Government may pursue extra funding for farmers via the EU's competitiveness funds. He spoke at Dublin Castle, where he was hosting an informal gathering of EU agriculture and fisheries ministers. Heydon emphasized the importance of identifying funding opportunities, highlighting the competitiveness fund as an option. He also stressed the significance of research and innovation to ensure farmers' economic and environmental sustainability.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen echoed Heydon's sentiments, pledging to advocate for a CAP budget capable of equipping farmers to tackle the challenges they face. He warned member states against complacency regarding a robust CAP and stressed the relevance of the Common Agriculture Policy in the face of climate change, droughts, and heatwaves. Hansen mentioned that member states could allocate up to 3% of their CAP funds for disaster payments, which is already on the table.

In response to farmers' concerns about the eco schemes' obligations, Hansen indicated that exemptions could be granted in cases of force majeure, such as droughts. He also mentioned the possibility of boosting European payments to farmers, with the EU's fertiliser action plan, which has already allocated over €500m from the EU budget, being potentially expanded by 200% by member states. The total funding could reach €1.6bn, contingent on member states swiftly responding.