The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, has been called upon to revisit his decision to pause internal convergence during the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) transitional period.<\/p>\n

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice believes it is imperative to continue with the internal convergence during the CAP transitional period in order to support small family farms.<\/p>\n

Internal convergence was given the green light as part of the CAP strategic plans by MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) in the first half of 2019.<\/p>\n

As part of the approved proposal, member states would have to ensure that all per hectare direct payments under their remit would have to reach at least 75% of their average direct subsidies by 2026 and 100% by 2027.<\/p>\n

Commenting on the matter, Fitzmaurice said: \u201cLast month the minister announced his plans to place all internal convergence during the CAP transitional period on hold, indicating that there is no need to implement the measure during the transitional period to ensure its success in the new CAP programme.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder regulations, member states are allowed to continue with their internal convergence programme. Why the minister has decided to delay this is beyond belief.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe idea behind internal convergence is to make direct payments to farmers fairer and more targeted.<\/p>\n

\u201cInternal convergence is a way of turning the tide. For too long has 80% of payments gone to 20% of farmers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf internal convergence is allowed to continue, it will benefit smaller holdings \u2013 which are dotted all over rural Ireland. These are family farms which have been struggling due to sustained periods of poor commodity prices.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are farms which are helping families put kids through college, pay mortgages and all the rest.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a no-brainer for the minister to allow the internal convergence programme to continue during the CAP transition period,\u201d Fitzmaurice concluded.<\/p>\n

Michael<\/strong> Fitzmaurice 086-1914565<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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