The Irish Farmers Association has said that seeking to reduce environmental emissions by cutting farm production, would amount to "national sabotage".
Speaking at the 70th AGM of the Irish Farmer's Association today, IFA President Francie Gorman called for a new deal for farmers, reform of the Common Agriculture policy and the retention of the nitrates derogation.
Mr Gorman also strongly criticised the EU's deal with Mercosur countries and expressed concern over the possibility of US tariffs being imposed on Irish exports
Addressing members, he said that costs on Irish farms had risen by nearly 75% in the last seven years, while farm incomes had fallen by 34%.
Calling for a "new deal for farmers," Mr Gorman said the last EU Commission had become "detached from farmers and in many ways detached from reality".
He said the Common Agricultural Policy had to get back to its roots and support food production. He said separate funding had to be found for climate action at national and EU level. "The days of raiding our CAP funding must come to an end," he added.
Farmers were making progress on meeting emissions targets, he said, but said a proper balance needed to be found, and that "cutting back on farm output and production would be national sabotage."
He said the new Government must deliver on their commitment to the retention of the nitrates derogation this year, adding "whatever needs to be done must be done."
He said Irish farmers were doing a huge amount to address water quality and said that "Irish water and our local authorities must get their house in order."
The IFA President criticised the EU's deal with the Mercosur countries, saying it had been "rammed through." He said farmers must now work with other member states to build support to reject the deal.
"To be clear, and we will make this point to the EU Commissioner tomorrow, we don't want vague promises of 'compensation. We want a level playing field."
Mr Gorman said US tariffs on international goods could do serious damage to Irish farming and every diplomatic effort must be made to avoid them being introduced on Irish exports.
He said that too often unnecessary obstacles are being put in front of farmers, citing the difficulties associated with the environment scheme ACRES as an example.
"It has been a head wreck for farmers, for planners and for the Department who have struggled to administer the scheme."
Mr Gorman said the review of the scheme, which is under way, already had "the hallmarks of re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic" and called for a fundamental review of the scheme.
He said there were real and present threats on the horizon in the form of the spread of Bovine TV, Bluetongue and Foot and Mouth.
Mr Gorman also said the IFA will be making a submission to Government to put a more formal arrangement in place so that farmers are insured for the assistance they give in the community during weather events such as the recent cold spell.
The IFA President said he hoped the engagement with Commissioner Christophe Hansen tomorrow would kickstart a new relationship that gives due recognition to the role of farmers on the ground.
The new EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen will address the AGM in the morning..
Mr. Gorman said that the IFA will also continue to hold the Goverment here too account.
"It will be our job over the next five years to ensure that the new Government delivers for farmers.Once the full Government line-up is confirmed later today, we will be engaging with them."
