Ireland's EU Presidency: Key Impacts on Irish Agriculture

Introduction

From 1 July to 31 December 2026, Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time since joining what was then the European Economic Community in 1973. Although the Presidency lasts just six months, it places Ireland at the centre of European decision-making during one of the most significant periods of change for agriculture in recent decades.

While the Presidency covers everything from security and international affairs to economic competitiveness, agriculture is expected to feature prominently. Food security, trade, sustainability, the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy are all expected to dominate discussions.

For Irish farmers, the Presidency will not bring immediate changes to payments or regulations. However, the conversations taking place over the coming months could influence agricultural policy, farm supports and environmental requirements for years to come.

What Does the EU Presidency Actually Do?

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates between all 27 Member States every six months.

The country holding the Presidency does not make EU law on its own. Instead, it coordinates negotiations between Member States, chairs ministerial meetings and helps build agreement on new European legislation.

During Ireland's Presidency, Irish ministers and officials will chair hundreds of meetings affecting more than 450 million EU citizens. Ireland will also host around 22 informal ministerial meetings, approximately 250 Presidency events, and welcome more than 30,000 delegates from across Europe.

This provides Ireland with an important opportunity to ensure agriculture remains high on the European agenda and to highlight the importance of farming to Ireland's economy and rural communities.

Food Security Is Back at the Top of the Agenda

Food security has become one of Europe's biggest priorities.

The war in Ukraine, disruption to international shipping routes, rising fertiliser prices and geopolitical instability have all exposed how vulnerable global food supply chains can be.

For Ireland, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

The Irish agri-food sector contributes approximately €19 billion in exports each year and supports around 164,000 jobs, making it one of Ireland's largest indigenous industries. Irish food is exported to more than 180 countries, with around 90% of Irish dairy production, 90% of beef production and more than 80% of sheepmeat destined for export markets.

Maintaining access to those markets while strengthening Europe's food security is likely to remain a major priority throughout Ireland's Presidency.

Competitiveness Matters More Than Ever

European farmers are facing increasing pressure from rising production costs while competing in a global marketplace.

Irish farmers continue to deal with higher costs for fertiliser, feed, fuel, electricity, machinery and labour, while also meeting some of the highest environmental and animal welfare standards in the world.

One issue expected to feature prominently is ensuring European farmers can remain competitive without being placed at a disadvantage.

Many farming organisations argue that imported food should be produced to standards equivalent to those required of European farmers. Otherwise, there is a risk that European producers will face increasing costs while competing against cheaper imports produced under less stringent environmental or welfare regulations.

This debate is becoming increasingly important as the EU continues to negotiate new international trade agreements.

CAP Reform and Reducing Bureaucracy

Although the current CAP programme runs until the end of 2027, discussions on the next programme are already beginning.

For Irish farmers, these discussions are particularly important. Each year, approximately €1.2 billion is paid directly to Irish farmers through CAP income supports, providing an essential source of income for many beef, sheep and mixed farming enterprises.

Ireland has indicated that simplifying EU legislation will also be one of its priorities.

For farmers, that could eventually mean:

• Less paperwork.
• Simpler CAP applications.
• Reduced duplication between schemes.
• Faster administration.
• Clearer environmental requirements.

While major changes are unlikely during the six-month Presidency, Ireland has an opportunity to influence the direction of future CAP discussions before formal negotiations begin.

Sustainability Without Sacrificing Profitability

Few issues generate more debate than sustainability.

Irish farmers have already introduced significant changes in recent years through measures such as low-emission slurry spreading, nutrient management planning, protected urea, improved water protection measures and participation in agri-environment schemes.

However, many farmers believe sustainability must be viewed through three equally important lenses:

• Environmental sustainability.
• Economic sustainability.
• Social sustainability.

Protecting biodiversity and improving water quality are essential, but farm businesses must also remain profitable if they are to continue investing, supporting rural employment and producing high-quality food.

One of Ireland's biggest challenges during its Presidency will be promoting policies that achieve environmental progress while recognising the practical and financial realities facing farm families.

Supporting the Next Generation

Generational renewal remains one of the biggest long-term challenges facing Irish agriculture.

Current figures show:

• The average age of an Irish farm holder is 59.4 years.
• Almost 38% of farm holders are aged 65 or over.
• Just 4.3% are under the age of 35.

High land prices, increasing machinery costs, access to finance and farm succession all continue to present significant barriers for young people wishing to enter agriculture.

Supporting young farmers is expected to remain an important priority during Ireland's Presidency, particularly as discussions begin on the future direction of the CAP.

Why This Matters to Irish Farmers

For many farmers, the Irish Presidency may seem like something happening in Brussels rather than on the farm.

In reality, many of the discussions taking place over the next six months could influence farming for years to come.

They include:

• The future of CAP payments after 2027.
• Environmental regulations affecting farm businesses.
• Supports for young farmers.
• Measures to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.
• International trade agreements affecting Irish exports.
• Policies designed to strengthen Europe's food security.

While no immediate changes are expected, these discussions will help shape the policies that farmers will be working under during the next decade.

Farmers' Concerns

Despite the opportunities presented by the Presidency, many farmers remain cautious.

Among the issues likely to dominate discussion are:

• Future CAP funding.
• Increasing environmental regulation.
• The future of the Nitrates Derogation.
• Rising production costs.
• Competition from imports produced under lower standards.
• Maintaining farm profitability while meeting climate and biodiversity targets.

Many farmers recognise the need for environmental progress but believe policies must be practical, proportionate and properly funded. They also want greater certainty, allowing them to make long-term investments with confidence.

Conclusion

Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union arrives at a defining moment for European agriculture.

Farmers are being asked to produce high-quality food, strengthen food security, reduce emissions, improve biodiversity and remain internationally competitive, all while managing rising costs and increasing regulatory demands.

The next six months provide Ireland with an opportunity to influence how those competing priorities are balanced.

For Irish farmers, the Presidency is not simply about meetings in Brussels. It is about helping shape the future of CAP, trade, sustainability and food production across Europe.

If Ireland can use its Presidency to champion practical policies, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure farmers remain central to Europe's long-term food strategy, the benefits could extend well beyond the six months of the Presidency itself.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.