After almost a decade of talking about the European Economic Community and what it would mean for sovereignty, independence, and trade, 83% of voters strongly supported the decision to join.
Farmers liked the idea because they had a lot to gain from joining a free trade group of 10 countries at the time. So, Ireland joined the EEC on January 1, 1973.
Agriculture was a very important part of the economy at the time. It gave us 25% of our jobs and almost 50% of our exports. Ireland, on the other hand, was very dependent on the UK, which was its closest neighbour and biggest trading partner.
When Ireland was talking about joining the Common Market, the idea of getting access to new markets in Europe was very appealing to Irish farmers and the government.
Farmers also saw that getting payments from the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and having a stable income would be very helpful.
The CAP was already in place to protect the production and supply of food in Europe, keep prices low for consumers, and help farmers and communities in rural areas.
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In the five years after Ireland joined the EU, agricultural output went up by 31% and 183% in terms of value, farm incomes went up by 30%, the average income of industrial workers went up, and exports to Britain went down as European markets opened up.
Even after 50 years, the numbers still tell the story. €70 billion in CAP funding has helped Irish farming and rural communities.
Changes have been made to the agricultural sector. Irish agri-food exports are now worth €15,4 billion per year, and we send them to all of Europe and 180 other countries around the world.
When the new CAP starts on January 1, 2007, agriculture will get another €9.8 billion in benefits, of which the Irish State will pay €2.3 billion.
Now, unlike 50 years ago, it is very important to think about how farming affects the environment. For the EU to keep giving money to Ireland and Europe, farming must become more environmentally friendly.
Changes started around the middle of the 1990s, and EU payments have been slowly changed to encourage farmers to protect and preserve the environment.
In the new CAP next year, this theme will be shown in the best way yet. Green house gas reduction, water body protection, and increasing biodiversity are all important rules that Irish farmers must follow.
For their own good and the good of society as a whole.
