AT an IFA briefing on the future of the CAP last week were Micheal Haverty (Galway IFA Chair), Teresa Roche (IFA National Chair of the Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee), IFA President Francie Gorman, Galway East TD Albert Dolan, and Rose Mary McDonagh (Galway IFA National Council Delegate).

Galway East TD calling for strong CAP budget

Published: Sun 1 Nov 2026, 9:15 AM

GALWAY East TD Albert Dolan has said that a strong CAP budget is vital to keeping family farms viable throughout County Galway and elsewhere.

Deputy Dolan attended an IFA national lobby day on the future of the CAP in Dublin ahead of upcoming EU budget negotiations, where he met with Galway IFA representatives Micheal Haverty (Galway IFA Chair), Rose Mary McDonagh (Galway IFA National Council Delegate), and Teresa Roche (IFA National Chair of the Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee).

The next CAP runs from 2028-2034, and the current proposal would see a cut of €2.5billion for agriculture in this country, or 24 per cent. The reduction in the overall CAP budget for EU member states would be approximately €300billion.

The EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) may be finalised during Ireland’s current term of EU Presidency. The MFF determines the EU’s overall budget for the coming years, including the CAP, something which Deputy Dolan highlighted as important.

Farmers facing increasing challenges

“The next Multiannual Financial Framework may be agreed while Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It is vitally important that Ireland uses this opportunity to secure the best possible deal for Irish farmers and rural communities,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.

“The CAP budget will shape the future of Irish agriculture for years to come. Farmers are facing increasing challenges, including rising costs, environmental obligations and market uncertainty. A strong and well-funded CAP is essential if farmers are to continue producing high-quality food while maintaining vibrant rural communities.

“The outcome of these discussions will impact every parish and community that depends on farming. We must ensure that Irish agriculture receives fair recognition for the economic, environmental and social contribution it makes.

“I will continue to work closely with the IFA and farming representatives to ensure the voice of Galway farmers is heard as these crucial negotiations progress. Securing a strong CAP budget must be a national priority during Ireland's Presidency.”

€500billion CAP budget required

IFA President Francie Gorman said the current proposal for CAP 2028-2034 is a budget of €293billion, and that EU farmers need €500billion to remain resilient and ensure food security.

“We have put tangible proposals on the table with our senior politicians, on how the CAP budget can be increased. We need to see progress on this as well as a provision to ensure current CAP payments are maintained in the event of a transitionary period pending agreement of the next CAP programme advanced by the Irish Presidency,” he said.

“I would encourage all farmers to visit the IFA CAP Hub (www.ifa.ie/cap), inform themselves of the scale of the proposed cuts, and engage with their local, national and European political representatives that it simply isn’t good enough. More CAP funding is needed.”