Publication of CAP Beneficiaries Data - Background
The Common Agriculture Policy was initially established to guarantee stable supplies of food to European citizens at a reasonable price, and a fair standard of living for its farmers. Successive reforms have shifted its focus somewhat, and today there is an enormous emphasis on meeting the needs and concerns of consumers and citizens in relation to food quality and safety, animal welfare and the environment.
In Ireland, the agriculture and food sector is one of our most important indigenous manufacturing industries. It accounts for almost 7% of GDP, 8% of employment and 10% of exports.
Council Regulation 1290/2005 requires the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to publish, on its website, certain details of beneficiaries of schemes funded or co-funded by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) or the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
The schemes in respect of which payments are required to be published on this web site are a central element in EU and National policy for sustaining and developing this vital national industry, ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality and reinforcing the critical role of the farming community as custodians of our rural environment.
