The move from the European Commission to introduce a range of regulatory amendments to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) could "unlock" funding to tackle animal disease, an Irish MEP has said.

The commission outlined a package of measures today (Wednesday, May 14) in a bid to simplify the CAP and reduce administrative burden on farmers and member states.

Ireland Midlands--North-West MEP Maria Walsh welcomed the proposals, saying it could provide funding to tackle animal disease; would reduce on-farm inspections; and help farmers navigate the requirements under CAP conditionality and the Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC), including the controversial GAEC 2 on the protection of peatlands.

The measures include support for small and organic farmers as well as actions to help with natural disasters and animal disease, Walsh said.

“Our farmers are drowning in red tape and bureaucracy, and today’s announcement is a much-needed acknowledgement of this fact. More so than merely acknowledging the challenges, these simplification measures will finally relieve much of the pressure weighing on the shoulders of Irish farmers," she said.

"At a time when TB is ravaging through Irish farms, I am hopeful these proposals will unlock additional funding to tackle animal disease. The package mentions that member states should be able to dedicate up to 3% of their annual CAP envelope to help farmers deal with natural disasters or animal diseases," the Fine Gael MEP added.

Walsh said she would be raising this point with the European Commission today in a meeting of the European Parliament's agriculture committee, of which she is a member.

"I am heartened to see the commission listening to the concerns of Irish farmers. GAEC standards now do not have to exceed the mandatory national provisions and existing farming practices where they achieve the objective of the standard," she said.

According to the MEP, the burden of random inspections and controls on farmers will also be reduced. There will be a cap of one on-the-spot check per farm per year.

"The devil is in the detail of this package... This has the potential to be one of the most ambitious agricultural packages in recent times from the European Commission," she said.

"We are seeing a new form of decisive and impactful leadership emerging... Leadership that listens to voices of farmers, including Irish farmers, and takes strong action which I hope will assist our agricultural sector through the challenges of the day," Walsh remarked.

The changes were also welcomed by Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen, who said that the simplification package "directly addresses" the top concern raised by farmers during last summer's European elections and the farmer protests late last year.

Cowen said: "For too long, farmers have been tied up in bureaucracy instead of being supported to do what they do best - produce top-quality food and contribute to rural economies. These proposals mark a clear shift in direction and are a promising signal that the commission has heard the message sent by Irish farmers loud and clear.

"These are practical, targeted reforms that will ease pressure on farmers, especially smaller operators who often struggle most under disproportionate administrative demands," he added.

"I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure these reforms are fully implemented and to make sure they’re just the beginning of a broader push for a fairer, simpler, more sustainable CAP that truly rewards farmers into the future," the Midlands--North-West MEP said.