Plans for Donegal farmers to be forced off land 'must be strongly opposed'

Donegal TD and Sinn Fein spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has expressed outrage at the plan by the EU to force older farmers who are receiving a pension to quit farming.

The European Union's (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is undergoing changes that may impact older farmers, particularly regarding financial support. The new proposals, as part of the CAP, are focusing more on "active farmers" who earn their primary income from farming, potentially excluding older, retired farmers from receiving payments.

Teachta Doherty said: “Plans in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to cut area-based payments to farmers who are receiving a pension are disgraceful and must be strongly opposed.

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"The plan of cutting payments for farmers on pensions could affect over 40,000 Irish farmers and many in Donegal. These are farmers who, although they may be getting older, are still actively involved in agriculture and producing quality produce.

“Generational renewal in the agricultural sector is a problem and we need to find solutions but there are alternatives to forcing older farmers off their land.

“Sinn Féin believe older farmers should be supported the same as all other farmers and encouraged to establish a succession partnership with a young farmer.

"Older farmers have a lifetime of knowledge and experience in farming and that knowledge and experience needs to be passed on to the next generation of farmers. They should absolutely not be cast to one side and forced off their land.

“Negotiations on how this budget will be implemented will be long, importantly, Ireland will hold the presidency of the EU during this time. Sinn Féin have the backs of Donegal farmers and their families, and we will protect and support the Irish family farm."