MEP Nina Carberry Appointed To Lead Negotiations On Next EU Farm Policy

Thursday, 8 January 2026 12:41

By Martin Osborne

In her new role, Carberry will argue for an increased CAP budget, with a focus on reducing administrative burdens for farmers.

MEP Nina Carberry has been appointed to lead negotiations on the next Common Agricultural Policy for the European Parliament’s largest political group.

Nina Carberry will draft the European Parliament’s budget position on the CAP for the period 2028 to 2034, on behalf of the European People’s Party, which has 190 MEPs.

The Common Agricultural Policy remains the single largest element of the EU budget, within a fund expected to total almost €2 trillion.

The appointment comes days after the Department of Agriculture confirmed that €40 million in CAP payments were issued to farmers in Kildare during 2025.

In her new role, Carberry will argue for an increased CAP budget, with a focus on reducing administrative burdens for farmers.

Current proposals include a ring-fenced €300 billion for direct payments and basic income support, along with a minimum 10 per cent rural spending target.

She has also flagged concerns that agriculture funding could be merged into a single EU fund, warning this could weaken protections for CAP and lead to fragmentation across member states.

Over the coming months, Carberry will prepare amendments to the Parliament’s budget report and begin consultations with farmers, rural groups and other stakeholders across the EU.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Carberry also outlined the importance of CAP Pillar 2 supports.