Mayo election candidates to be quizzed by farmers in pre-election debate

A PRE-election debate involving Mayo General Election candidates hosted by the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association will take place tomorrow evening.

The Mayo County Executive of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association is holding a Pre-General Election debate with candidates on Friday, November 22 at 8pm in Hotel Newport in Newport.

General Election candidates in Mayo have been invited to attend the debate where they will be questioned by farmers on issues such as the Nature Restoration Law, Agri-Climate and Rural Environment Scheme, proposed new Greenways and the new CAP programme among many other topics.

The INHFA stated that the policy decisions made in the coming five years will, 'have a significant impact on all aspects of farming for decades to come'.

Micheal McDonnell, Vice President of INHFA stressed the need for a minimum increase of 25 percent in the CAP budget post 2028 and it's vital that our potential candidates are ready to support the farmers that support them.

“Over 90 percent of farmers in Mayo rely 100 percent on CAP payments to make ends meet its vital that this funding is increased. Also if we look at the Teagasc Farm survey it brings this stark reality to light. Those are the same people that are supporting our local shops, hardware stores, garages and schools. It's vital that our election candidates take this on board and support the extensive farming systems that are practiced here in Mayo and across the western seaboard.

“In Mayo we have over 12,000 farmers and the average farm size is 22 hectares. It's vitally important that those farmers are supported as not only are they producing a commodity but they are also producing an environmental good as regards water quality and biodiversity,” he said.

He added: “The basis for the increased budget is to allow for inflation and to recover losses incurred over previous CAP programmes. Such an increase can ensure all farmers see an increase in their payments while also delivering on full convergence and an increased front loaded payment.”

In their election proposals the INHFA have also called for a basic Eco-scheme payment of €70/ha with a top-up payment of €30/ha for all farmers operating in a river basin that currently has a blue water quality status as defined under the Nitrates Regulation.