The Minister for Agriculture has hinted that the Government may seek to secure additional funding for farmers through the EU competitiveness funds.

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget is coming under pressure as some member states seek to shrink the overall EU budget and others argue for greater investment in defence.

Speaking as he arrived at Dublin Castle to host the informal meeting of EU agriculture and fisheries ministers, Martin Heydon said identifying all opportunities for funding is “really important” and cited the competitiveness fund.

The EU Livestock Strategy will be discussed at the meeting which is expected to include commitments to help EU farmers compete with producers outside the union.

Minister Heydon also pointed to the importance of research and innovation to help farmers achieve economic and environmental sustainability.

“Research costs money, but it really does deliver cumulative benefits, you know we continuously research and innovate, and that’s a key part of the discussion today on the livestock strategy and on the protein plan.”

The EU Agriculture Commissioner said he will be arguing for a CAP budget that will enable farmers to meet the many challenges they face.

Speaking as he arrived at Dublin Castle for the informal meeting, Christophe Hansen said he will urge member states to be aware that “we cannot do better with less”.

“We know that some member states are reluctant when it comes to maintaininh a strong CAP.

“So that is why we are, as well, working very closely with the member states in order to make them aware.

“But I think, as well, the climate crisis, the droughts, the extreme heat waves have shown how relevant the Common Agriculture Policy, with the sufficient funding, is and will be for the future as well.

“Food security is not something we should take for granted.”

Asked about immediate help for European farmers hit by drought and heatwaves this summer, Commissioner Hansen suggested that member states have the means to address this issue

“They can go as well for using up to 3% of their CAP money for disaster payments, and this is already on the table.

“Then, of course, farmers are concerned that for certain, for the eco schemes, for example, that certain obligations they would need to fulfill in order to get the money.

“We can derogate from them if we have force majeure, like we say. And I think this is in many regions the case. So that is up to the member states now to go ahead with that.”

He said member states could also add to European payments to farmers.

“We have announced before the summer the so-called fertiliser action plan with more than €500m from the EU budget that can be topped up by the member states by 200%.

“So the member states need as well to find the necessary amounts.

“This would amount then in total for €1.6bn, which could help if the member states deliver quickly a quick response.”