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Weakening agri policy would be ‘deal-breaker' for next EU budget
Weakening agri policy would be ‘deal-breaker' for next EU budget

Agriland

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • Agriland

Weakening agri policy would be ‘deal-breaker' for next EU budget

Any attempt to weaken agricultural policy within the EU would be a 'deal-breaker' in terms of the negotiation of the long term budget, known as the multi-annual financial framework (MFF). The comments came from Spanish MEP Carmen Crespo Díaz, the European Parliament's lead negotiator on the future of agriculture, regarding the plenary debate on the post-27 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). 'We firmly reject any attempt to nationalise this policy or merge its funding with other EU instruments,' Diaz, who is a member of the European People's Party (EPP) grouping in the EU, told Agriland. 'The CAP must remain a truly common policy, with dedicated funds and independent pillars, ensuring fair and equal support for all European farmers. 'Weakening agricultural policy would be a deal-breaker for the next EU long-term budget (MFF). 'We need to put farmers back at the centre of decision-making. Innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability must drive the transformation of Europe's food system without adding to the bureaucratic burden farmers already face,' she added. MEP Carmen Crespo Diaz. Image source: EPP Group EU Budget Crespo Diaz said that a stronger budget is essential to shield farmers from rising costs, climate risks, and market instability. 'In addition to strengthening agricultural aid, the EPP Group is committed to simplification and smart incentives to increase the profitability and resilience of farming across Europe,' she added. 'We support smart incentives over obligations, fair prices for producers, and better support for vulnerable rural regions.' In her draft report as rapporteur on the future of agriculture and the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy, Crespo Diaz stated: 'It is necessary to consolidate a model based on incentives rather than obligations, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices without affecting farmers' profitability. 'Existing regulations need to be reviewed so that they do not impose disproportionate burdens, and administrative simplification needs to be encouraged, reducing bureaucracy and ensuring that support reaches those who need it in a timely manner. 'To this end, the following should be noted: CAP cross-compliance requirements should be reassessed to reduce excessive implementation requirements, administrative burdens and unnecessary costs. 'Direct payments under Pillar I of the CAP should be made available to all professional farmers, irrespective of their size and type of production,' she also stated. She also suggested the possibility of supporting sectors in difficulty or subject to specific constraints, such as arid, mountainous or outermost areas and sectors such as fruit and vegetables, wine, beekeeping. A further point made is that the Mediterranean forests and livestock, should be maintained.

Kelly: Package ‘puts trust back in the hands of farmers'
Kelly: Package ‘puts trust back in the hands of farmers'

Agriland

time19-05-2025

  • Business
  • Agriland

Kelly: Package ‘puts trust back in the hands of farmers'

Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly has welcomed the European Commission's proposals to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The Ireland South MEP said the proposal is a positive development, and a direct response to the growing frustration among farmers who have 'long struggled with red tape and overly frigid rules'. MEP Kelly also described the announcement as a 'good day for Irish agriculture' and highlighted several key elements in the package. He said: 'Simplification, flexibility, less bureaucracy, these are exactly the changes our farmers have been calling for. 'This is not just a minor adjustment, it's a shift in tone that puts trust back in the hands of farmers,' he added. The MEP has welcomed the increased flat-rate payment for small farmers and greater discretion of member states. 'Raising the flat-rate payment limit to €2,500 is practical and fair. It will ease the burden on small family farms and save time and money. That's common sense policy,' Kelly explained. MEP Kelly Kelly was particularly encouraged by the approach taken on Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) 2, which addresses wetland and peatland management. He said: 'This was a major concern voiced by farmers I've met across Ireland in recent weeks. The flexibility to reward environmental stewardship rather than penalise it is a breakthrough. 'Farmers working on peatlands and wetlands will now be supported, not punished, for their efforts.' 'I believe this progress stems in no small part from the influence of the EPP Group in the parliament. With 188 members, we've ensured that the voice of farmers is heard clearly in Brussels,' he added. The MEP believes that the EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, 'understands agriculture' and has shown he is willing to act. 'This package is the beginning of restoring agriculture to its rightful place at the top of the European agenda,' Kelly said. 'I sincerely hope all Irish MEPs will come together now to support these proposals as they move through parliament.' 'Agriculture is Ireland's primary industry – and it deserves a common effort to ensure farmers have the tools they need to thrive,' he added.

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