Written answer
Agriculture Supports
59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of his most recent discussions at the Agriculture Council and with members of the commission in relation to the need to ensure that adequate funding is provided for CAP post-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52188/26]
Comment on this
82. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his senior officials are engaging with counterparts from other EU States, that have a large agri-food sector, to have a common approach to protecting and enhancing the agricultural budget in the forthcoming CAP negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52039/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 82 together.
The overall budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 will form part of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is negotiated at EU level by Finance Ministers and, ultimately, agreed by Heads of State and Government. In Ireland, the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs lead on these negotiations, in close consultation with my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach.
I have previously expressed my concerns at AgriFish Council of Ministers about the proposed reduction in the CAP budget compared to the 2021-2027 period, and emphasised that the future CAP must be adequately funded in order to support viable farm incomes, food security, generational renewal, environmental sustainability and vibrant rural communities.
With Ireland now in the Presidency Chair, we will be working as an honest broker to advance the negotiations on the future budget to the maximum possible extent over the coming months, taking into account the views of all Member States as we work to build consensus on a range of issues, including CAP funding.
Over this period I will continue to work closely with my Government colleagues, and to engage constructively with Member State counterparts and the European Commission, to ensure that the CAP budget ultimately agreed reflects the strategic importance of agriculture, and the sector's contribution to Europe’s food security and long-term resilience.