15-07-2025
Call for stronger support in next CAP Budget for sustainable sheep and cattle farmers
The upcoming Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget must place a renewed focus on supporting sustainable farming systems, with a particular emphasis on Ireland’s sheep and cattle sectors. These are the demands from the Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) as outlined by vice-president Micheal McDonnell.
Recent data from the Teagasc National Farm Survey has stressed McDonnell “highlighted the critical financial pressures faced by these sectors, revealing that average family farm incomes are below €15,000.
Alarmingly, the INHFA Vice president continued “this figure does not include an additional 50,000 farms with a standard output of less than €8,000—many of whom also operate in the most marginal and environmentally sensitive areas of the country and are not only the backbone of rural Ireland, but also key custodians of the land.”
“These are the farmers delivering for biodiversity, nature, and our rural communities,” stated McDonnell “They manage our landscapes, protect habitats, and produce high-quality food under some of the most stringent environmental and animal welfare regulations in Europe.”
“This cohort of over 70,000 farmers often operate extensive grazing systems, manage commonages, follow organic practices, and farm on designated lands under EU conservation directives. Despite their contributions to sustainable land use and food production, they remain at risk of being overlooked in CAP reform discussions” added the INHFA vice-president.
“It is vital that these farmers are not forgotten,” McDonnell continued. “They are central to Ireland’s sustainable food production, and climate and environmental ambitions, and their continued viability must be secured through meaningful CAP support.”
The INHFA leader concluded by stating that the next CAP “must ensure these farmers are properly recognised and resourced, not only for their food production, but also for the environmental and social goods they provide every day. A fair and inclusive CAP budget is essential to sustain Ireland’s farming future, rural economy, and environmental commitments.”