ICSA call for a focus on the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food

ICSA president Sean McNamara has welcomed today’s publication of the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food as an important step in shaping the future of farming in the EU.

However, he said that delivering on the outlined agricultural ambition requires substantial investment, and the lack of a clear signal on the CAP budget is deeply concerning.

He said, “The Commission’s recognition that farming must remain an attractive and viable livelihood is encouraging. Ensuring fair incomes for farmers, tackling unfair trading practices, and committing to a strong generational renewal strategy are all positive moves.

“But these ambitions must be followed through with robust policies and financial commitments. Otherwise, they will amount to nothing more than empty words.”

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On the Commission’s proposals to introduce stronger measures to ensure farmers are not forced to sell their produce below the cost of production, Mr McNamara said, “It is welcome that the Commission intends to take concrete action to address this, including a review of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive.

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“However, this review must lead to real, enforceable protections for primary producers. We need to see meaningful penalties for large retailers and processors that engage in exploitative practices.”

He said ICSA also welcomes the Commission’s commitment to reinforcing the long-term future of the livestock sector. “Livestock farming is the backbone of rural Ireland, and it is vital that EU policy supports its continued viability.

“The promise of a long-term vision for the sector is positive, but we also need guarantees that our ability to export live animals will not be restricted.”

He said ICSA strongly supports the Commission’s move to align production standards for imported products with those required of EU farmers. “It is entirely unacceptable that European farmers are forced to comply with stringent regulations while being undercut by cheaper imports produced to lower standards.

“However, this does not address the hypocritical nature of their support for the Mercosur trade deal, which we in ICSA will continue to oppose.”

Mr McNamara said that while the Vision for Agriculture and Food outlines commitments to simplification and reduced bureaucracy, ICSA remains sceptical. “We have heard promises of less red tape before, yet farmers continue to be burdened with excessive paperwork and complex compliance requirements. Any proposed simplification package must deliver tangible improvements for farmers on the ground.”

Mr McNamara also welcomed the mention of the need for targeted financial support for small and medium-sized farmers, particularly those in areas with natural constraints. “The Commission acknowledges the unique challenges faced by these farmers, but recognition alone is not enough.

“We need direct financial supports that enable them to continue producing high-quality food while meeting environmental goals.”

Concluding, Mr McNamara said, “It must be remembered that the CAP budget has been relentlessly eroded, both through direct cuts and the impact of inflation. Without addressing these issues and committing to a substantial increase in the CAP budget, the Commission’s vision will remain nothing more than words on a page.

“If the EU is serious about protecting its farmers and securing the future of agriculture and food production, it must make a firm financial commitment to back its ambitions.”