'Ireland must be at Negotiating table— not reacting to decisions made elsewhere' - Kilkenny TD on CAP 2027

Across Europe, discussions have already begun on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy beyond 2027.

For Ireland, this debate is not simply another EU policy negotiation. It is about the future of rural communities, family farming and food production in a country where agriculture remains one of our most important indigenous industries.

The Common Agricultural Policy has been the backbone of European farming for decades. For Irish farmers, it has provided stability in an industry shaped by uncertainty — from weather patterns to volatile global markets and rising input costs. CAP supports farm families, sustains rural economies and helps ensure a secure supply of high-quality food across Europe.

But as negotiations around CAP 2027 begin to take shape, Ireland must ensure its voice is strong and influential in Brussels.
Irish agriculture is unique within Europe. Our grass-based production system is among the most sustainable in the world, producing high-quality food with a comparatively low carbon footprint. Most importantly, our agricultural sector is built not on vast industrial farms but on family farms that have been passed down through generations.
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Ireland’s agricultural success has never been built on industrial mega-farms — it has been built on family farms. That model must remain at the centre of CAP policy going forward.

At the same time, the conversation around agriculture is evolving. Climate targets, biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability are now central to European policy discussions. Irish farmers recognise that reality and are already playing a key role in protecting landscapes, improving water quality and reducing emissions.

Farmers are ready to be part of the climate solution, but they cannot be expected to carry the burden alone.
Any new environmental ambitions within CAP must be matched with realistic timelines and proper financial support. If policymakers want farmers to adopt new practices, they must ensure those changes are economically viable for farm families.
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Food security must also remain central to the debate. Recent global disruptions have reminded us that Europe cannot take its food supply for granted.

Europe cannot talk about food security while weakening the very farmers who produce that food. Strong domestic food production will be essential in the years ahead as global demand continues to rise and supply chains remain vulnerable to geopolitical shocks.

For Ireland, CAP is not just an agricultural policy — it is a rural policy. The vitality of towns and villages across the country is deeply connected to the success of the farming sector.

A strong CAP is not just about agriculture — it is about the future of rural Ireland. When farming thrives, rural communities thrive alongside it. Local businesses, schools, services and sports clubs all depend on vibrant rural economies.

Another critical challenge facing European agriculture is generational renewal. The average age of farmers across the EU continues to rise. If young people are to see a future in farming, the sector must remain economically sustainable and capable of supporting family livelihoods.

CAP 2027 must provide meaningful supports that help young farmers enter the industry and invest in their farms for the long term.

Ireland has historically played a constructive role in shaping European agricultural policy. As discussions around the next CAP intensify, that leadership will be more important than ever.

Ireland must be at the negotiating table shaping CAP 2027 — not reacting to decisions made elsewhere. If Europe wants sustainable food production, vibrant rural communities and a secure food supply, then the next phase of the Common Agricultural Policy must work for the farmers who make all three possible.

Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere TD is Fianna Fail Rural Affairs and Agriculture spokesperson