Ireland leads way on CAP future and farm agricultural innovation
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Barry Caslin, Energy and Rural Development specialist, Teagasc; Anne Kinsella, senior research officer, Teagasc; Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine; and Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc director.Image 2 of 2
Professor Maura Farrell, University of Galway; Anne Kinsella, Senior Research Economist, Teagasc; Carina Roseingrave, International Year of the Woman Farmer Ambassador 2026; Martin Heydon TD., Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine; and Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director.More than 100 policymakers, researchers, farmers, and industry leaders gathered in Athlone for an event focused on shaping the future of Irish agriculture and rural innovation under Ireland’s EU Presidency.
Hosted by Teagasc as part of the EU CAP Network Training Week, the session explored Ireland’s leadership role in Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform and its potential to balance sustainability, food security, and farmer prosperity.
The event featured two panel discussions, beginning with ‘CAP Policy and EU Perspective’, where experts tackled CAP simplification, innovation, and sustainability. Prof Frank O’Mara, director of Teagasc, emphasised the opportunities and challenges: “Ireland’s grass-based livestock systems can set the standard for balancing productive agriculture with climate ambition, but clear and fair policy frameworks are essential.”
Prof Alan Matthews, a leading CAP expert, warned about the difficulties facing policy makers: “Without a strong, common CAP, we risk fragmenting EU standards and undermining food security at a critical moment for Europe.”
Dr Kevin Hanrahan, head of the Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme, highlighted the need for smarter redistribution of CAP payments: “Economic modelling shows that small farms and young farmers must remain central to the next CAP if we want vibrant rural communities.”
The second panel discussion, ‘Innovation, Farmer Experience and Rural Leadership’, spotlighted the role of women and young farmers in driving rural development. Prof Maura Farrell from the University of Galway said: “Women’s leadership in agriculture is vital to rural resilience. The CAP must do more to support their contributions.”
President of the IFA Francie Gorman added: “Farmers are the backbone of food security, and CAP must remain a policy that protects family farms while embracing innovation.”
The event was opened by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, who reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to “delivering a CAP that balances economic, environmental, and social sustainability while ensuring food security during this time of geopolitical uncertainty”.
The day concluded with a lively question and answers session and networking reception, where participants exchanged ideas on how Ireland can shape a future-proof CAP that supports its farmers and rural communities.
The EU CAP Network is a consortium working directly under contract to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI).
Its main purpose is to support the implementation and innovation of the Common Agricultural Policy across EU member states.
In Ireland, the only two official members of the EU CAP Network are Barry Caslin and Anne Kinsella representing Teagasc.
The European Commission is involved in the organisation and oversight of events, working closely with the CAP Network consortium to ensure alignment with CAP objective.