Fine Gael TD Pete Roche has stressed the importance of setting clear priorities for the next phase of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP ) beyond 2027, saying they are vital for the future of farming in Galway and across the country.
Deputy Roche welcomed Minister Martin Heydon's announcement on Ireland’s priorities for upcoming CAP negotiations, calling it a major step for the agri-food sector.
He highlighted recent global disruptions such as the COVID pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and trade tensions with the United States as reminders of the need to strengthen local food supply systems. "Food supply chains have shown resilience, but we cannot take our farmers or our food for granted,” he said.
The agri-food sector remains Ireland’s most significant indigenous industry, supporting over 169,000 jobs and €19 billion in exports annually. Under the current CAP Strategic Plan 2023 to 2027, Ireland will invest €9.8 billion, including €2.28 billion from national funds.
Deputy Roche noted that future support will be shaped by two major EU policy developments later this year: the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF ) and new proposals for the post-2027 CAP. Ireland’s EU presidency in 2026 is expected to play a key role in advancing the CAP’s legislative framework.
Ireland’s four core priorities include a more straightforward CAP for farmers, greater flexibility to adapt to changing needs, a balanced focus on economic, environmental and social sustainability, and a strong budget to support both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 measures.
Roche concluded: “The global landscape has changed completely since the last MFF talks. We need to ensure that agriculture and food remain strategic priorities for the EU. Minister Heydon will begin full stakeholder consultations on CAP post-2027 this autumn.”
