The largest farmer’s demonstration in more than 15 years is putting pressure on agricultural officials in
Ireland to stay clear of proposed European Union funding cuts. More than 20,000 farmers gathered in Dublin to protest reforms to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.
Streets around Leinster House and other government buildings were closed as farmers marched through
the city.
“My message to the government Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, the
CAP budget is under attack in Europe. Any cuts will hit farm income and production. Ireland will lose,
business will suffer and jobs will be lost,” said Irish Farmers Association President John Bryan.
Farmers say they can't endure more budget cuts, and they're asking officials to maintain the current CAP subsidies of 1.6 billion Euros a year. Ireland’s Agriculture Commissioner Simon Coveney agreed to meet with some protesters saying he will do all he can to protect the farming sector. A decision on the CAP budget in Europe is expected in December.