Farmers urged to attend Hogan meeting

GALWAY farmers have been urged to attend a special event on the 2020 CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) that will be addressed by EU Commissioner, Phil Hogan.

The ‘Making CAP 2020 Work for You’ is being held in Kilkenny on the Friday evening of April 20 with Agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan, the keynote speaker.

IFA President, Joe Healy, said that the IFA had organised the event because of the critical influence of the CAP on the future of Irish farming.

“This is a unique opportunity for farmers to hear at first hand the views of Commissioner Hogan on his recent proposals on the future of the CAP.

“CAP is critical for Irish farmers and farm incomes providing €1.75bn directly into the Irish economy on an annual basis.

“The major challenge to the CAP is the Budget. IFA is demanding an increase from 1% to 1.2% of GNI (Gross National Income) to provide for a strong increase in the CAP Budget,” said Joe Healy.

Galway IFA Chairperson, Anne Mitchell, told the Farming Tribune that she was urging farmers from Galway to travel to the event given that it provided a ‘direct line’ with Commissioner Hogan.

“We all know how important the CAP is to the future of farming in the West of Ireland and it will send a strong message to the Commissioner if we have a good turnout from the West of Ireland,” said Anne Mitchell.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.