Crucial talks are taking place in Brussels today on the proposed reforms to the Common Agriculture Policy.

On the table are proposed cuts of up to €250 million to farmers payments.

The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, has said the plan is to distribute funding in a fairer manner so that those on lower incomes will not be left out of pocket.

The Irish Farmers Association has criticised the plan saying some farmers could face cuts of up to 30 per cent to their incomes.

But President of the group United Farmers, Bertie Wall says smaller farmers need this support more and therefore he is in favour of these reforms going ahead.