FF to hold public meeting on CAP in Mayo

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture Éamon Ó Cuív will be in Midfield near Swinford this week to hold a public meeting on changes to the Common Agriculture Policy.

The meeting will take place in Julian’s of Midfield at 8.30pm this Friday, 31 January. Deputy Ó Cuív will be joined by local TD Dara Calleary, Sligo Senator Marc Mac Sharry and local election candidate Michael Smith who will chair the meeting.

At the meeting, Deputy Ó Cuív will outline the Fianna Fáil proposals on CAP reform.

The Agriculture Spokesperson explained, “We want to listen to the questions and concerns of farmers in Mayo, Sligo and across the North West about the new CAP deal. There are genuine fears that what has been agreed will mean more hardship for farmers in this region.

“Under the deal agreed by Government, we are seeing the first ever overall reduction in CAP funding. The Government has also refused to match EU funding for regional development – leaving Irish agriculture will a €600 million shortfall. This is particularly bad news for family farms in the North West region,” the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson said.

Local Deputy Dara Calleary is calling on farmers who have concerns about this deal to attend Friday’s meeting.

“It is vital that farmers stand together and demand a fair deal from the Minister. What is on offer is unfair and will do significant damage to family farming in Ireland,” said Deputy Calleary.

“This meeting is open to everyone and gives local farmers the chance to air their views. There will be representatives from the farming organisations there and plenty of information on hand about what this deal means for local farmers.”