Minister of State Martin Heydon and TD for Kildare South will be joined by Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue in Kilcullen mart on Tuesday to meet local farmers.

The Ministers will hear farmers’ views on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and take their questions. They will also visit a local farm in the area.

Speaking before the meeting Minister Heydon said: “We need to ensure the new CAP works for farm families and their incomes. These new schemes and supports will be our commitment to supporting them out to 2027 so it is important that CAP is farmer friendly and delivers for our rural communities.

“I am proud of the work that Kildare farmers do producing world-class food and protecting the local environment. As Minister for new market development, I’ve seen first-hand the demand for Irish produce in international markets.

We must ensure that farmers continue to be supported in this important work. I have been working hard to ensure all money under the new CAP is accessible to farmers and that the negative impacts of some policies are minimized.”

The visit to Kilcullen mart is part of a wider tour by Minister McConalogue to hear farmers views on the next CAP.

“I would urge all Kildare farmers and those from surrounding counties to make their views known. This is their CAP – It is their livelihoods, and it is vital that it is designed with farm families at its core,” Minister Heydon concluded.