Farmers' fury: 'Trade deal will terminate rural life'
Up to 2,500 farmers marched on Leinster House to protest against the EU's Mercosur trade deal amid fears it will devastate the beef industry.
Farm bodies call on Phil Hogan to review EU position on Mercosur
Farming organisations are calling on Phil Hogan to seek a review of the EU Commission's position on Mercosur.
'Mercosur countries can be kicked out of deal if they do not adhere to standards' - EU
From vetting every Mercosur farm before its produce is allowed to enter the EU market to kicking farms and, ultimately, countries out of...
Varadkar promises to protect beef farmers
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has promised to protect the interests of Irish beef farmers even if the controversial EU-Mercosur deal is ratified.
Fresh concerns over finalising CAP raised by MEP Kelly
Fresh concerns on the finalising of the CAP post 2020 have been raised by Ireland South MEP, Sean Kelly as the new parliament are set to meet for the first time tomorrow.
Q&A: Mercosur and Ireland - What impact will agreement have on our economy?
Farmers have beef with trade deal but Taoiseach admits we can't halt move
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has admitted that Ireland alone cannot block a new EU trade deal that threatens to devastate the Irish beef industry -...
Varadkar won't rule out backing trade deal despite farmers' flak
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has admitted Ireland cannot block a new trade deal that threatens to devastate the Irish beef industry - and has not ruled out backing the plan.
'CAP budget cuts could be a reality if countries aren't ambitious on environment' - Hogan
CAP budget cuts could become a reality if EU countries aren’t ambitious on the environment, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan has said.
Slow progress on CAP deal giving EU officials the 'jitters'
EU officials are becoming increasingly frustrated at the deadlock in post-2020 farming talks.
'Deep concerns' on possible Mercosur deal outlined by Taoiseach in letter to EU Commission
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and three other European leaders have sent a letter to EU Commission President Jean Claude Junker highlighting their...
Mercosur deal could be agreed next week despite 'difficult agriculture issues' - Hogan
A Mercosur deal could be agreed by the end of next week if the right circumstances are in place, EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said.
EU countries vote in favour of €50m Irish Brexit beef fund
EU Member States today agreed to a proposal from the European Commission to make €50 million available to Irish beef farmers, which can be matched by national funds to reach a maximum...
Budget concerns sees agreement on future CAP pushed back
An agreement on a common approach to the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy is set to be further delayed as Member States seek clarity on the policy's future budget.
Lump sum payments to older farmers to help encourage transfer of land - Hogan
Lump sum payments for older farmers who permanently transfer their holding to young farmers has been suggested by EU Agriculture...
Revamped Mercosur deal poses new threat to agriculture sector
European farmers are back on the offensive as a trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc inches closer.
Opinion: European Parliament elections critical for the future of Irish and EU agriculture
The European Parliament elections, to be held this Friday in Ireland, and taking place across the EU from the 23-26 May, will be hugely significant in...
EU Commission proposes to increase transparency on how food prices are reported
Having banned unfair trading practices and improved producer cooperation, the Commission is today presenting the third element to improve...
'Irish agri sector needs to restore public trust'- Hogan
The Irish agri sector needs to restore public trust as climate change is the “single biggest issue” across Irish doorways in the run up to the EU elections, EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said.
Hogan says agriculture not on agenda for US talks
The European Union intends to keep agriculture off the agenda in its trade talks with the United States and continues to support rules-based, open and predictable international commerce, the EU’s...
Beef supports could be squeezed out by EU's budget crunch
EU election season has kicked off, with climate change and the EU's post-Brexit future looming large in the campaign.
McGuinness eyes another bid for top job in parliament
The EU Parliament wound up its current term in office last week by backing voter-friendly moves to improve food quality and pesticide approvals. But the future of the Common Agricultural Policy...
EU agricultural trade with rest of the world was €275bn in 2018 and has doubled since 2002
Agricultural trade between the European Union and the rest of the world has doubled since 2002, according to a new EuroStat report
Hogan: Do more on environment to maintain CAP budget
Commissioner Phil Hogan has told EU Agriculture Ministers that there is an urgent need for farmers to do more for the environment and that if Ministers sent a clear signal that climate and the...
Agriculture row looms as EU clears way for start of formal trade talks with US
European Union countries gave initial clearance on Thursday to start formal trade talks with the United States, EU sources said, a move designed but...
Hogan stands by 'halfway house' proposals on farm payments convergence
EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has defended his proposal for 75pc income convergence as part of his post-2020 farm reform plans.
Checks, fines, crisis reserve: MEPs vote on EU farm policy reform
The Agriculture Committee approved the last batch of proposals to improve EU farm policy so that it better meets farmers’ and consumers’ expectations.
No special Brexit fund for farmers as Hogan warns of 'budgetary constraints'
Farmers will be granted EU support measures in the event of a no-deal Brexit, subject to "budgetary constraints", the Commission has said.
Phil Hogan: 'Despite the madness of Brexit I still think common sense might prevail'
European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said that he remains hopeful that common sense might prevail in relation Brexit but remained...
EU would begin customs controls right after no-deal Brexit
The European Union will immediately introduce customs checks and import duties in the event of a “no deal” Brexit, erecting barriers to British exports ranging from cars to farm produce and...
ICOS raises concern over MEP's 'push' for return of supply controls in dairy sector
ICOS has raised concerns over the planned “Production Curbing System” proposed by Agriculture MEP's in the reform of the Common...
EU Agri Committee vote in favour of 100pc convergence of CAP payments
The EU parliament’s Agriculture Committee has voted in favour of 100pc convergence of payments under CAP Post 2020 reforms.
Alan Matthews: CAP reform negotiations bogged down in uncertainty
All attention last week was focused on the Brexit agenda, and rightly so, for there is much at stake, both for Ireland and the EU.
Young farmers say MEPs are letting them down on CAP reform
European young farmers organisation CEJA has said it is deeply concerned about the direction being taken by the Agriculture Committee of the European Parliament in reforming the Common Agricultural...
UK's Gove suggests all Irish goods are checked in Europe as 'way around' hard border
The UK's environment secretary Michael Gove has suggested a possible way around creating a hard border between the Republic and Northern...
No solution yet to 'big problem' of animals, food crossing Border
The continued movement of animals across the Irish Border is the biggest area of concern for the EU ahead of a no-deal scenario.
EU auditors raise concerns over supervision of organic imports and product traceability
The control system for organic products in the EU has improved in recent years, but challenges remain, according to a new report by the...
Concern a delay in new CAP will undermine low-income farmers
Farmers have raised concerns that the seemingly likely delay in the rollout of a new CAP will undermine low-income farmers.
Unfair Trading Practices Directive formally adopted by the EU
The Unfair Trading Practices Directive has been formally adopted by the European Parliament today.
EU trade chief says no support in Europe for US trade deal that includes agriculture
The European Union will not support a comprehensive trade deal with the United States that includes agriculture, the EU's top trade...
Court rules organic logo cannot be used on ‘halal’ meat without pre-stunning
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has found that EU law do not authorise the placing of the EU's organic production logo on products derived...
John Downing: Noisy neighbours have always been a nuisance in Brussels but we'll miss them
We'll start again with a scarce piece of Brexit news. Ireland will not miss the UK when it comes to framing EU farm policy.
'Get with the program': US officials press EU to address beef hormones and GMOs in trade talks
US officials on Thursday ratcheted up pressure on the European Union to address longstanding agricultural issues between the two regions, the...
Swift agreement on EU budget needed to ensure continuity in farm payments - Hogan
Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan has said that a swift agreement on the EU's budget post-2020 is essential to ensure...
Smooth transition essential for next CAP to ensure no 'forgotten farmers' - Macra
Macra na Feirme National President James Healy has said that a smooth transition from the current CAP to its successor is essential to avoid creating...
'CAP delays a further possibility as reform vote not taking place until April'- McGuinness
The European Union will not vote on CAP reform files until April which will may delay the implementation of CAP reforms said MEP and...
Hogan says Brexit the reason for 'disproportionate' number of meetings with Irish farm groups
A new report highlighted how EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan carried out a “disproportionate” amount of meetings with Irish...
MEP's want EU countries to move away from live exports (Irish farmers hope for increase)
The EU and its member states must develop a strategy to shift from live animal transport to transport of meat-and-carcass and germinal...
Intervention sales come at a heavy cost to the taxpayer
Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan recently welcomed the sale of the majority of EU public stocks milk powder, however, its likely come at a significant cost to...
EU calms US trade ties by accepting US soybeans in biofuel
The European Commission said on Tuesday it had concluded that U.S. soybeans can be used in biofuels in the European Union, part of the bloc’s push to improve strained trade relations with...
The CAP budget is the key, Creed tells EU Ministers as negotiations over reform continue
The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has stressed to his fellow EU Agriculture Minister's that securing an adequate budget is critical to the...
MEPs urge countries to increase checks on live exports, but no further ban
The EU and its member states must enforce existing rules on protecting transported animals better and penalise all offenders, the Agriculture...
EU open to discussing cars, not farming in US trade talks
The European Union is willing to discuss car tariffs but will not remove duties on farm products in trade talks with the United States, its trade chief said on Friday, setting it on a possible collision...
Irish farmers can't rely on a 'rabbit out of a hat' solution to Brexit - ICMSA President
The Irish government can’t wait for "a rabbit out of a hat solution to Brexit" and must make plans on the basis that the UK will leave the European...
EU trade commissioner says talks with US will not include agriculture
The European Union and United States have not yet agreed on the scope of their trade negotiations, but the EU will not include agriculture in the talks, its trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström told...
EU leaders push decision on CAP budget back to autumn 2019
European Union leaders have given themselves nearly a year to agree a new long-term budget for the bloc last week, confirming that hopes of an accord before elections to the EU parliament in...
Directive on unfair trading must be passed before Christmas to save small farmers- EU council
Time is running out for the directive on unfair trading practices to be approved by the EU Parliament in time for Christmas, the EU council...
Europeans impeding EU-Mercosur trade deal -Brazil farm minister
Brazil’s outgoing Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi said on Wednesday that South American trade bloc Mercosur is ready to close a trade agreement with the European Union but it is being held up...
CAP budget facing more pressure as eastern European farmers protest over 'low' payments
The CAP budget is coming under more pressure, as eastern European farmers call for increased farm payments.
John Downing: Irish farmers should pray May can get deal over line
This time three years ago most of us had never heard the term 'Brexit'.
'EU auditors are ignoring importance of direct payments to farmers'- Hogan
EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has hit out at the EU Court of Auditors for “ignoring” evidence provided to them on the importance of direct...
MEPs back maintenance of CAP funds in next EU budget
In a vote on Wednesday, MEPs confirmed their position on the next EU long-term budget, including maintaining the financing of the EU’s long-standing agricultural policies.
EU and UK braced for Brexit agri-quotas row with WTO partners
The EU and UK are heading for a Brexit showdown with their main agricultural trading partners.
McGuinness hits out at EU auditors criticism of plans of new CAP
Concerns have been expressed about the European Court of Auditors report published today which sharply criticizes the proposed reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period...
EU Auditors slam Hogan’s plans for next CAP
The proposed reform of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2020 falls short of the EU’s ambitions for a greener and more robust performance-based approach, according to an opinion published...
EU set to clamp down on 'unfair' agri retail practices
Talks are intensifying on a law to ban the “unfair” treatment of farmers by supermarket giants.
Commission to renew its campaign on Bravo ban
There is not enough support yet for an EU ban on the key tillage fungicide chlorothalonil, but the Commission is determined to continue lobbying member states on the issue.
Commission won't approve state aid without more measures for young and retiring farmers - Hogan
The EU will withhold CAP payments from Ireland and other member states unless new measures to support both young and older farmers are put in...
CAP future must include bioeconomy strategy - Hogan
Europe needs a strong bioeconomy as part of the 21st century rejuvenation of our rural areas, according to the EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan.
EU Parliament votes in favour of EU/UK trade under WTO rules post-Brexit
The Agriculture Committee of the European Parliament has voted in favour of an agreed EU/UK approach on trade policy post-Brexit as applied...
Bord Bia to make plans for the future as Brexit unknowns loom
The job of Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy is to champion Ireland's food industry.
UK difficulty is Irish farmers' opportunity - Bord Bia
Difficulties faced by British farmers on foot of Brexit present an opportunity for Irish producers that can mitigate the impact of the UK's departure from the EU, according to Bord Bia chief...
The curious case of the cow that got paid on the double
A curious case of Polish heifer fraud caught the eye of EU auditors poring over the bloc's 2017 accounts.
'We cannot ask people to do more and pay less' – Concerns remain over CAP budget
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed has warned that farmers cannot be asked to do more on the environment while...
CAP budget in 'line of fire' as reform proposals enter 'crunch time'
The EU is entering 'crunch time' in relation to the EU budget and the future CAP proposal, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan has said.
EU's bank to ramp up support for Irish farmers and infrastructure
Upgrades to ports, an electricity line to the continent, and loans for farmers and businesses are among hundreds of millions of euro in planned financing by the European Investment Bank...
Austrians lend support to coalition opposed to post-2020 CAP cuts
Austria will fight for farm spending post-2020, despite pushing for an overall EU budget cut.
Agriculture MEPs strongly oppose proposed substantial cuts in the post-2020 CAP
The EU cannot afford to cut the funding of its farm policy if it is to continue ensuring delivery of public goods to EU citizens, the Agriculture Committee...
Agriculture MEPs agree laws on unfair trading practices
New draft rules to better protect farmers against buyers’ unfair trading practices were approved by the Agriculture Committee on Monday.
'This huge profit-taking from farmers has to stop'
'It's Fianna Fáil or not at all," is John Comer's pithy summary of his political ambitions.
'Everything, including CAP, will be hit if there is a hard Brexit'
Everything will be hit, including CAP, if there is a hard Brexit, RTE Europe Editor Tony Connelly told a recent Brexit conference.
‘Everybody looks for more money’ – Hogan says funds to reverse proposed CAP cuts must be provided by Member States
“Everybody looks for more money, including farmers. Whats new. But it has to be provided...
Hogan lashes Mercosur ‘megaphone’ tactics
Another round of Mercosur and EU trade talks begins this week in Uruguay, with trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström on stand-by to attend (she will be in the region at a G20...
Hogan warns that farming and food production needs to get smarter, cleaner, and greener – and fast
Farming and food production needs to get smarter, cleaner, and greener – and fast, according to the EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan.
Grass growth at historic low across much of Europe
Blistering heat and a lack of rainfall in northern and central Europe has caused the region's worst drought in two decades, putting pressure on yields, prices and fodder supplies.
EU faces new pressure to end duties on Russian fertilisers
Pressure is growing on EU trade officials to end long-running anti-dumping duties on Russian ammonium nitrate fertilisers.
Food firms warned to plan for post-Brexit supply challenges
A new Bord Bia report confirms that Brexit is the single biggest challenge facing the food and drink industry, and within that, the supply chain is one of the highest risks.
Euro hits 90p: Concern over no-deal Brexit sees Sterling slump
Sterling has slumped half a percent against the euro to below 90 pence, its weakest since the middle of November in a selloff fueled by investor concern that Britain will crash out of the European Union...
Cupboards would run bare today if UK relied only on food it produces, says UK farmers union
UK farmers have called on the Government to make food security a top priority on the day the country's cupboards would run bare if households relied...
How Australia's meat industry plans to flood post-Brexit Britain with products banned in EU
Australian meat industry leaders are heavily lobbying their government to put pressure on Britain to accept products currently banned under EU...
German farmers seek 1 billion euros in drought aid: report
Farmers in Germany need special aid of around 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion) because of damage to harvests caused by drought and heatwave, the head of German farming association DBV said on...
Battle lines drawn as EU court weighs fate of gene-edited crops
Gene editing in agriculture takes centre stage next Wednesday when Europe’s highest court rules in a case that could determine the fate of the technology that is already making waves in the...
EU-Mercosur trade talks targeting September finale: Argentina
A free trade agreement between the European Union and Latin American bloc Mercosur is close to being concluded, with a final push over the line seen by early September, Argentina’s foreign...
State to employ around 1000 customs and veterinary inspectors as part of Brexit contingency
More than 1000 extra full-time customs and veterinary inspectors are to be employed as part of the government's contingency plans for Brexit,...
Northern Ireland farmers accuse EU of playing political ‘football’ over cross-border trade
The European Union has created fear and uncertainty among farmers in Northern Ireland by treating the region as a political football in...
France, Germany call for stable EU farm budget post-Brexit
France and Germany want the European Union’s agriculture budget to be maintained at its current level once Britain leaves the bloc, the French and German farm ministers said on Monday.
Half of all EU workplace deaths occur in farming
Rauli-Jan Albert, a livestock farmer in the eastern Finnish village of Valtimo, was almost crushed to death by a young heifer a few years ago as he was guiding his herd through a narrow passageway.
Hogan blasts IFA over 'fake news' on CAP
Claims that CAP budget cuts could be as much as 17pc when inflation is taken in to account have been labelled as "fake news" by EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan.
EU keen to get Mercosur deal over line as trade war with US ramps up
Talks on a trade deal between the EU and South American Mercosur bloc are heating up this summer.
UK to have "common rulebook" with the EU for all goods, including agricultural and food products
Papers circulated to ministers ahead of today's crunch meeting at Chequers are reported to recommend that the UK should maintain a...
