Battle Joined On CAP Reforms: Dodds

The Northern Ireland MEP Diane Dodds has raised her concerns about the proposals brought forward on Wednesday by EU Agriculture Commissioner, Dacian Ciolos for the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy, (CAP). She also promised a 'battle' as the reforms are debated in Europe.

A member of the Agriculture Committee in Brussels, Diane Dodds said: "I am deeply worried about the proposals put forward by the Commissioner.

"The proposals are very complex and will only lead to more red tape and monitoring of farmers. It will also be an impediment to competitiveness and the ability of the EU to ensure food security and supply security for its citizens.

"These proposals are a step backwards with no real focus on delivering for farmers.

"I have major reservations in relation to the political direction within the Committee.

"We have the two extremes some wanting a more radical reform and those who do not want a big change from what we currently have," she said, concluding: "This is the start of a long process which will involve the Council, Commission and the Parliament.

"This is the first large policy area which will be carried out under co-decision. The battle begins in earnest," she warned.

Green Issues

In his opening statement the Commissioner claimed that he wants to make agriculture "more competitive, encourage production and make the CAP simpler to enact in Member States", Mrs Dodds commented, but added that the 'greening issue' features significantly in the Direct Support proposal.

"This will make the CAP an environmental policy rather than a policy to support food production and a viable agriculture industry in Northern Ireland. The linkage of 30% of direct payments to a number of greening measures will only direct farmers to do more for less money.

"It is also proposed that 7% of land, which is not permanent pasture, will be zoned as an ecological focus area, essentially a area set aside. This will reduce the level of productivity and will also increase our dependence on imports.

"As part of the CAP, the Commissioner is proposing a policy change which will encourage farmers outside of the EU to set land aside for more arable production thereby disadvantaging our own farmers," she added, just hours after the proposals were made public.

The Basic Payment scheme is envisaged in the proposals as being a national or regional flat rate per eligible hectare, some flexibility will be given to the Member State and the new entitlement year is defined as being 2014.

The Commission is also trying to define criteria around "agricultural activity and an active farmer," she said, as the detail of the proposals continued to emerge yesterday.

Wide Debate

John Henning, Northern Bank's Head of Agriculture agreed on the likelihood of extensive debate of the proposals and commented: "The European Commission's draft reform proposals are meant to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability and permanence of agriculture throughout Europe, with a particular focus on safe food, the environment and rural development.

"While key areas of the proposals include innovation, strengthening economic and ecological competitiveness, climate change, rural employment and growth, it is very difficult to see how they address the challenge of feeding a global population of nine billion by 2050," he said, critically.

"The major thrust of the proposals centre on a 'common policy' across Europe, but implementing a 'one size fits all' strategy is almost impossible.

"It is likely that the proposals will be widely debated; meaning that the CAP reform eventually agreed could differ significantly particularly given the need for co-decision between the European Commission and Parliament," the banking boss added.

However, on a positive note, the announcement of additional investment in research and innovation was a welcome boost, as are the plans to help overcome fragmentation and lack of structure in the food chain.

"Plans to address the industry's age profile, likewise, are commendable, although the effectiveness of the proposed measures to achieve this remain to be seen," he continued.

"It is also encouraging to note the proposals for a simpler and more efficient CAP and the flat-rate payment scheme for small farmers demonstrates an innovative approach.

"However, as always, the 'devil will be in the detail'," the executive said, noting, "Whilst additional 'greening' and a payment ceiling for farmers may have limited effects in Northern Ireland the proposal to introduce a new 'reference year' in 2014 is likely to distort the land market (conacre) in the interim.

"The proposed definition of 'active farmer' meanwhile doesn't really address the issue and, in reality, confuses rather than enlightens.

"Ultimately the major impact on these CAP reform proposals on 'NI Agriculture plc' will depend on the CAP budget ultimately agreed and given the disparity of views expressed already this is not likely to be achieved any time soon," said the industry expert.

See: Food Board On Way As CAP Reform Published

See: CAP Reform Proposals Revealed In Brussels

(BMcC/CD)