6th February, 2014
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association is organising an important public meeting where Roscommon farmers will have an opportunity to have their say on the latest CAP developments, as well as the crisis affecting bull beef producers and the Single Farm Payment overclaims issue. It takes place on Wednesday, 12th February at the Abbey Court Hotel, Roscommon, beginning at 8pm.
The meeting will be chaired by Roscommon ICSA chairman Charles Clarke and an impressive line-up of speakers will address the meeting. Eamon O’ Cuív, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and Community Affairs will discuss his proposals on an alternative approach to CAP reform, while vet John Gilmore of Elphin-based Farm Lab Diagnostics will have a range of springtime advice for farm management. ICSA general secretary Eddie Punch will present a detailed outline of how direct payments look at this stage of the CAP reform process while new ICSA president Patrick Kent will also address the meeting. There will also be an open questions and answers session and a lively debate is expected.
Mr Clarke said, “There are a lot of questions out there surrounding CAP reform as well as the anger and uncertainty created by the bull beef crisis and the impact of Single Farm Payment cuts as a result of the Department’s overclaims clawback. These important issues will be addressed in depth and I want to extend an invite to everyone in the area with an interest in farming and rural affairs.”
