With the current CAP proposals detailing requirements for a minimum 85% convergence, an eco-scheme of 25% and a front loading of payments the Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have called on the Department (DAFM) to carry out a new modelling exercise that reflects this.
The INHFA had taken issue with previous modelling done by the DAFM last May that didn’t include any proposal for front loaded payments, and was misleading as it didn’t include payments under the eco-scheme in their final sum-up.
In commenting on the previous modelling exercise conducted by the DAFM INHFA President Colm O’Donnell stated “how in addition to not modelling for the front-loading of payments it also failed to factor in what the capping of payments could deliver in terms of redistribution.”
This is O’Donnell continued “a clear requirement for a front-loaded payment under the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) with a proposed budget of at least 10% of Members States Direct Payments.”
On this basis it is he maintained “vital that the DAFM factor in a front-loaded payment option (CRISS) in a new remodeling exercise that reflects the possibilities this payment option has for farmers on ten, twenty and thirty hectares.”In addition to remodeling for the CRISS the INHFA President stressed the need for a modelling exercise on the capping of Pillar 1 payments. This should he stated “clarify what money can be made available for redistribution through the CRISS if we cap payments at €60,000, €80,000 or €100,000.”
O’Donnell concluded by stating how “the DAFM are best placed to calculate on all the options available under this new CAP deal as they have the necessary information and resources to conduct these calculations. Once completed we will all be in a position to fully appreciate the many possibilities of this CAP deal.”
