‘We've heard it all before' – ICMSA on CAP simplification
Earlier today (May 14), the commission outlined the measures it will take in order to simplify the CAP and boost farmers' competitiveness.
The ICMSA believes, that while the changes may involve some minor improvements for some farmers, the overall 'regulatory tide' shows no sign of easing.
According to the ICMSA president, there is 'no real confidence' in the commission's simplification plan.
He said: 'We've seen and heard it all before and so far from the issues being simplified, they become steadily more cumbersome and complex year-on-year.'
ICMSA
Drennan believes that the EU Deforestation Regulations (EUFR) are the 'perfect example' of the EU 'talking' about simplification.
The ICMSA president said: 'There were and are several alternatives to the EUFR which were pointed out to both to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the commission.
'It's made no difference, and we are going with yet another raft of new regulations around forestry and livestock.'
Drennan believes that the commission should publish the basis for the €1.58 billion savings for EU farmers, which he claims averages €173 per EU farmer and is insignificant set against the cost of compliance borne by farmers on an annual basis.
According to the ICMSA president, three of the commission's proposals require additional funding.
'Is there new funding for these 'simplification' proposals or is this the old and discredited 'rob Peter to pay Paul' strategy which has left the CAP chronically underfunded and sliding into irrelevance?'
The ICMSA president said he was happy to acknowledge any efforts being made by the commission regarding simplification.
However, he said that to date, including today's announcement, farmers had seen little or no benefit and other sections of the EU Commission continue to load regulations on farmers.
He said: 'The EU Commission as a simple complete entity, needs to come together and simplify the regulations while still meeting their requirements. It's possible and must be carried through.
'We have overloaded the levels of regulations on farmers on regulation and the reduction in food production across the EU is clear evidence of this. We need real simplification, not tokenism,' he added.
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