Cowen appointed to landmark EU agriculture post

Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North-West, Barry Cowen, has been appointed Renew Europe’s lead negotiator on one of the most consequential legislative files facing European agriculture in the coming mandate.

The appointment relates to the European Parliament’s work on the Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2028–2034, legislation that will directly shape how EU farm supports are designed, funded and delivered.

As Shadow Rapporteur for Renew Europe, MEP Cowen will play a central role in negotiating the Parliament’s position on the future CAP, including core issues such as direct payments, coupled support for vulnerable and strategic sectors, supports for young farmers, and the overall balance between income stability, sustainability and food security.

Crucially, this file marks the transition from political positioning to binding legislation, meaning decisions taken during these negotiations will have a direct and lasting impact on farm incomes and rural communities across Ireland and the European Union.

Negotiations within the European Parliament are expected to begin in early 2026, with the aim of concluding substantial elements of the Parliament’s position by the end of that year.

“This is a hugely significant legislative file and I am honoured to be appointed Renew Europe’s Shadow Rapporteur at such a decisive moment for European agriculture.

“For the first time in this cycle, we are moving beyond high-level debate and into the hard legislative choices that will determine how the CAP actually works on the ground, from direct payments and coupled supports to how we sustain farm incomes and encourage generational renewal.

“Ireland has a vital stake in these negotiations. Decisions taken here will directly affect family farms, food production and rural communities for the next decade. I will be using this role to strongly defend coupled payments for struggling and strategic sectors, fair and predictable direct payments, and meaningful supports for young farmers.

“With negotiations expected to gather pace under Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026, this appointment puts Ireland in a strong position to shape the future of the CAP," MEP Cowen said.