The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan for 2023 – 2027 was published by The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) yesterday, February 4, 2022.
The plan will determine how Ireland will distribute funding under the new CAP through a number of new schemes – some which are replacing current schemes, while others are new, such as the eco-scheme in Pillar I.
The plan was submitted to the European Commission, who will assess whether the member states’ CAP Strategic Plans contribute to, and are consistent with, EU legislation and commitments in relation to climate and the environment, including those laid out in the Farm to Fork and biodiversity strategies.
Minister McConalogue said that, “The European Commission has commenced assessment of the draft plan and will engage with officials of my department on the details over the coming months, with a view to final approval later this year. I look forward to receipt of the commission’s initial observations letter in this regard, which is expected around the end of March.”
The minister added that, “This is a farmer-friendly and fair CAP deal that is better funded than its predecessor. The funding agreed represents a significant increase on the existing Rural Development Programme, with a total support package of €9.8 billion over the 2023-2027 period.”
“This is being targeted in particular at measures designed to achieve improved climate and environmental outcomes, while at the same time ensuring the fairest and most balanced treatment possible for all farmers.”
LSL News.