NFU calls on Defra to put in place fair CAP deal across the UK after EU agreement
NFU calls on Defra to put in place fair CAP deal across the UK after EU agreement
The Council and the European Parliament has reached a political agreement on outstanding issues of the Common Agriculture Policy reform.
This marks a major step towards the goal of finalising the CAP reform package.
NFU director of Policy Martin Haworth said: “While we think this reform has missed an opportunity to become more common, more simple and more market oriented we do welcome the fact that the Council and the European Parliament have resolved their differences and reached a final agreement.
“The important thing now is that the implementing rules are quickly settled. Farmers need to be able to plan their businesses . Our focus will now turn to Defra to ensure that the way the Reform is applied in England allows our farmers to compete fairly with their European counterparts.
NFUS President, Nigel Miller, who held talks with EU Commission officials ahead of this week’s meetings said: “It is helpful that a basic, high-level agreement has now been reached by EU institutions and that a high degree of uncertainty has been addressed.
“The EU Commission must now bring forward proposals for the new CAP’s implementing regulations as soon as possible so that Scotland’s decision-making process can progress.
“NFUS met EU Commission officials ahead of this week’s meetings and has been in constant dialogue with the Scottish and UK Governments on Scotland’s priorities throughout the summer.
“Our priorities remain clear: direct support must be available for active farmers, including new entrants, from day one of the new CAP. Scotland must also receive an equitable share of the UK’s Pillar One budget. Those funds must not be relied upon to prop up our rural development measures in Pillar Two, but it is crucial that our rural development programme continues to prioritise LFASS.”
