Deputy Joe McHugh
DONEGAL Deputy Joe McHugh has welcomed a multi-billion euro in payments to farmers.
Minister Simon Coveney announced tonight €12.5 Billion in support for the Agricultural sector, sanctioned through the Irish Government and the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Pillar II Funding programme
“I welcome today’s announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Simon Coveney, T.D., that €12.5Billion of funds will be sanctioned through the Irish Government and the CAP’s Pillar II programme,” said Deputy McHugh.
“With approximately 85% of produce from Irish farms being exported, it was imperative that our allocation was in line with these requirements in order to maintain and sustain our farming sector.
“Over the Christmas period, I was in regular contact with both large and small farmers, and in particular the suckler and beef famers, who are experiencing serious challenges at the moment and need considerable encouragement and support over the coming months. But one thing that all farmers have in common across the sector is a clear and consistent message – distribute the money to farmers and they will spend it!
“I have been working closely with Minister Coveney over the past year to ensure a fair distribution of funds are sanctioned for Pillar II and I am grateful to the Minister for all the hard work that has been involved in securing this funding.
“I particularly welcome the focus on encouraging young farmers to participate in the agriculture sector, as per the following provisions: the full 2% of the national ceiling will be allocated to young farmers, providing for a 25% ‘top-up’ on direct payments on up to 50 hectares for farmers under 40 years of age (worth more than €16,000 over the period where payment is made on the maximum area for the full five years of the scheme); educational criteria will ensure payments are made to genuine young farmers; young farmers will be prioritised in the allocation of payment entitlements from the national reserve.
“The funding includes €1.9 billion in national funding and €2.2 billion of EU funding, including €8.5 billion in EU money, which will be distributed in direct payments to farmers, and also includes around €4 billion allotted for the Rural Development Programme until 2020.”