Minister McConalogue calls for a robust CAP budget for the Future of Agriculture in the EU
- Published on: 24 June 2024
- Last updated on: 16 October 2024
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, speaking today at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, called for a fully funded CAP budget to support farmers and ensure a competitive, sustainable, and resilient European agriculture sector.
During the discussion of the Council Conclusions on the Future of Agriculture in the EU, Minister McConalogue said:
“I welcome the recognition of the need for appropriate resources to respond effectively to the multiple objectives of the Common Agriculture Policy. We must be ready to provide a robust CAP budget that will allow us achieve our ambitions. Farmers are being asked to do more. Their role in food production and our environmental ambition must be adequately supported to achieve a competitive, sustainable and resilient sector.”
The Minister also called for current proposals on Animal Welfare during Transport to take full account of Ireland’s status as an island nation. Highlighting Ireland’s island status Minister McConalogue declared:
“Ireland supports the revision of the current animal transport legislation as we must ensure the highest standards of animal welfare at every stage of the animal’s life, including during transport. However, I reassert that the proposals must take into account Ireland’s geographical situation. We are an island nation and Irish business operators must have the ability to fully access the Single Market just as those in other Member States do.”
Notes
The EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) is a partnership between society and agriculture that ensures a stable supply of food, safeguards farmers’ income, protects the environment and keeps rural areas vibrant. EU countries implement the CAP at national level with a tailored CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027.