CAP inspections regime
Deputy Healy-Rae said farm incomes were down and asked for a fairer CAP inspection regime that would let farmers fix problems after inspection. The Taoiseach said the new CAP would not begin until 2021 and that the Agriculture Minister could consider the Deputy's views in negotiations.
Farm incomes are at their lowest level in eight years. Indeed, they have reduced by 30%, and it is expected they will drop by 30% this year. At the same time, there has been a 60% increase in the number of farmers who have failed inspections. We are asking for a change in the inspection regime under the new common agricultural policy, CAP, where the farmer would be given the chance to rectify any problem identified in each year. We are asking that Ireland, if it participates in the new CAP, would be given discretion in this regard to allow farmers to rectify any problems identified rather than penalising them.
