MEP Ciaran Mullooly today called on European Commissioner for agriculture and food Christophe Hansen to prioritise farmers’ incomes and livelihoods during the European Parliament’s Agricultural Committee meeting. Drawing on the Commissioner’s recent visit to Seamus and Elaine Byrne’s family farm in County Kildare, Mullooly reminded him of the pressing challenges faced by small farmers.
“Last week, you were in County Kildare on the Byrne family farm. where you were asked about succession and how you plan to support it. You said you cannot answer on that, there are other issues you said you could not answer on, but one thing you can answer on, Commissioner, is CAP.”
Mullooly emphasised that –“At the end of the day, income on that farm is directly tied to CAP. If CAP produces an income that allows them to make a living, they will stay, and there will be more food in Europe as a result,” Mullooly said.
The MEP reminded the Commissioner of his responsibility to ensure CAP delivers for farmers now, particularly smallholders who are struggling with rising costs and inflation. “Stand up for farmers—small farmers—who need a decent wage and a decent income at the end of the day,” he urged.
Mullooly also highlighted the importance of practical solutions over vague promises, stressing that without immediate action, farming families will face an uncertain future. “You have that responsibility. It is not easy, but you can make your mark in these discussions at the Council of Commissioners,” he said.
Mullooly then appealed to Commissioner Hansen’s own farming background: “You know this can be done. Focus on it, fight for it, and make your name as someone who delivered for farming families across Europe.”
