Irish Beef & Lamb Association – IBLA – has urged farmers to participate in tonight’s final CAP Strategic Plan ‘town hall’ meeting.
The group joined the second webinar meeting yesterday evening (Wednesday, August 11th, 2021).
CAP town hall meeting
In a statement to That’s Farming, a spokesperson said:
“The meeting was very informative and well presented by DAFM staff. Clarifications were provided on certain issues.”
“However, BLA feels that there is a lack of engagement from small farmers on family farms, who would benefit greatly by voting and having their voice heard.”
“All the information is in the public domain. Never before have single farmers had such an opportunity to vote and put their message across.”
“Tonight is the last meeting for this forum. Do not stand idly by; register, log in, listen, and vote.”
“77,000 farmers will benefit. Be part of the 77,000 and vote to improve your financial loss,” the spokesperson concluded.
The group described the ‘town hall; meetings as a “welcome change” in the DAFM’s approach to engage with farmers.
“The webinar can hold 2,000 farmers. It should be full on each night. Come out and vote for the pay rise that you deserve.”
“This is your future, and as a livestock farmer, be it cattle or sheep, your single farm payment and eco scheme payments remain and will remain a key part of your income, which is a priority for your sustainability and your viability,” the spokesperson concluded.
Convergence
The group recently shared its views on convergence in the following article:
Under the 85% convergence model, cattle rearing farmers will benefit the most and also under the 100% convergence model.
This sector has always been at a disadvantage. It is now time for these farmers to voice what they want.
We live in a democratic society, and as many farmers as possible should register for the town hall meetings, which Minister McConalogue is running on August 10th, 11th & 12th.
The meetings are called to gather opinions. IBLA suggests that as a farmer, you request a ballot on the options for convergence and front loading.
This allows farmers to vote on what farmers want. This message needs to be voiced in such a way that the minister and others have no option but to hear the will of the people.
Each farmer’s voice counts. Each submission counts. Stand up for you, your farm and the next generation of farmers.
Remember those who went before, who had not a fair crack of the whip. Take hold of the whip now. Mobilise, organise, send a message home to the minister.
We will no longer be seen and not heard. You have the option to vote at the end of each meeting; come out and vote for what you want.
