Gerry Loftus, of the campaign group Ireland’s Future, says the organisation is gravely concerned at details recently received from Brussels outlining some of the proposals being discussed concerning the upcoming review of the Common Agriculture Policy.
'Appropriate Protection of Wetlands and Peatlands' should not be a condition to draw down Basic Payment, he insists. Yet, he says, the EU Council is now pushing for no 'Farming Activity' to be allowed on these lands.
He claims that the proposed wording contained in the council definition of ‘eligible hectare’ would give “sweeping powers” to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
In order to be eligible for payments, EU Regulation states there must be a farming Activity taking place.
If the Council proposal was endorsed it would mean no payments would be paid on vast amounts of land in this country, including the western region , and especially in west and north Mayo.
Mr. Loftus has been speaking to Midwest Radio about his organisation’s concerns...
