Commissioner Phil Hogan to address joint meeting of Agriculture & Rural & Community Development Committees

The discussion will focus on: 

(i) Reform of the CAP post-2020, (ii) EU Trade Policy, (iii) Market Intervention, (iv) Brexit, (v) Rural Development Programme/LEADER Programme.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Agriculture Committee Chair, Pat Deering said today, “Tomorrow’s meeting will be a wide-ranging one. Agriculture Committee Members will be keen to engage with Commissioner Hogan on his recent comments about how Brexit is likely to impact on Irish farmers through cuts in EU-wide agriculture funding. Funding programmes for rural development integrated with the CAP and through other mechanisms such as the European Cohesion Fund are also likely to be discussed. The Committee has recently concluded hearings on the issue of climate change in agriculture and Members are likely to engage the Commissioner on how emissions can continue to be reduced, whilst protecting farmers’ livelihoods. We will also discuss trade and the opportunities technology presents when it comes to improve agriculture. Overall, the Committee anticipates a productive meeting with the Commissioner on how he believes we can help farmers address the challenges they face.”

Joe Carey TD, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Rural and Community Development, said Thursday’s opportunity to question Commissioner Hogan was particularly important given the growing concerns of a potential “hard Brexit” on rural communities dependent on agricultural exports to UK markets. He said improved coordination among various EU-funded programmes could be crucial in helping rural communities pivot into new markets and advance new farming technologies. Shocks to the system such as Brexit can undo the best-laid plans,” Deputy Carey said. “Linking up and strengthening all the existing supports, particularly the LEADER programme, and simplifying processes to access EU funding has never been more important for rural communities.”
The meeting will start at 2pm in Committee Room 4, Leinster House.

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here