Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
868. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on concerns regarding the low thresholds for degressivity in the proposed Common Agricultural Policy post-2027; the potential disproportionate impact on Irish farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9153/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra875. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific impacts of the proposed Common Agricultural Policy post-2027 on farmers in County Offaly, particularly in relation to tillage and mixed enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9160/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 868 and 875 together.
Ireland supports the principle of targeting CAP income support more effectively, particularly towards smaller and family farms. However, I have concerns that the proposed low thresholds for degressivity could have unintended and disproportionate impacts on viable, productive farms.
While detailed assessment at county level is not available, many of the Irish farms that would be affected by the degressivity proposal are not necessarily the large-scale operations that these measures are often designed to target, but efficient family farming businesses that contribute significantly to food production, rural employment and wider supply-chain activity.
Ireland’s position is that degressivity must be applied in a balanced and proportionate way. Member States need sufficient flexibility to reflect national farming structures, labour intensity and regional realities, and to avoid creating unintended disincentives for productive farms.
Negotiations on the post-2027 CAP are still at an early stage. Ireland will continue to engage actively at EU level to ensure that the future CAP remains fair, workable and adequately resourced, and that it supports farm incomes, rural communities and sustainable food production.
