Fine Gael has called on the Minister for Agriculture to hold out for a better deal for the dairy sector when talks on reform of the CAP resume in Luxembourg tomorrow.
Europe's agriculture ministers have failed to reach agreement during the tough talks process designed to overhaul the 40-year-old Common Agriculture Policy. CAP is the single biggest outgoing in the EU's budget, representing nearly half of its €100 billion spend.
EU Agriculture Commissioner Mr Franz Fischler wants to break the link between levels of farm production and the monthly cheque in the post to farmers, a move called decoupling.
However, farm ministers and farmers' representatives have so far rejected compromise deals presented by Mr Fischler.
Fine Gael agriculture spokesman Mr Billy Timmins said that in view of all the uncertainty that has been created over the past year, it is important that a conclusion is reached on the matter so that farmers are able to plan for the years ahead.
"The proposed cutbacks in price supports for butter and skimmed milk powder are too severe," he said.
"In addition, Minister Walsh must decide as soon as possible what form of decoupling he is going to implement."
France, the largest beneficiary of EU farm spending, forced a break in the negotiations last week just when there was a glimmer of hope for an agreement, through the personal intervention of President Jacques Chirac.
Success in EU farm reform is seen as essential to revive the stalled Doha round of trade talks before ministers of the World Trade Organization meet in Cancun, Mexico, in September.
Additional reporting by Reuters