The proposal from the European Commission to simplify some parts of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will “safeguard” the agricultural transition envisaged in the CAP.
That’s according to Copa Cogeca, the EU representative body for farmers and agricultural co-operatives, which claimed that the simplifications will make the implementation of the CAP more efficient.
On Friday (March 15), the commission unveiled proposals to deliver “simplifications” to the CAP.
The proposals relate to conditionality and CAP Strategic Plans and, according to the commission, aim to “reduce the burden related to controls for EU farmers” and give them greater flexibility when it comes to complying with certain environmental conditionalities.
Copa said the plans “do not undermine” farming transitions.
“The chaotic implementation of the new, highly complex CAP in January 2023 collided with climatic, geopolitical and economic events that made it difficult, if not impossible, to meet certain technical or timetable obligations,” the farm group said.
“Farming is an open-air activity that doesn’t take kindly to overly rigid administrative timetables. The commission has reacted to some of the concerns expressed across Europe… The commission also acknowledged that those elements where part of the reasons for the widespread protests of farmers across member states,” Copa added.
“The objective is therefore clearly stated by the commission and should be supported by all – to review the elements that are too rigid, complex, and overly administrative, without calling into question the direction of the agricultural transitions envisioned in the CAP.”
However, Copa said it regrets “the polarisation campaign” that it claims the commission’s proposals have been subject to, which is “creating a disconnection between the content of the actual text and its presentation in the European public debate”.
Some environmental groups have criticised the commission’s plans, claiming that they undermine the CAP’s measures on climate change and the environment.
Despite the planned simplifications of the CAP, Copa said there are “still many lessons that could have been learnt from the CAP implementation”.
“For instance, it is fundamental that the commission adjust its process of analysis and approval of the national strategic plans to ensure that it becomes faster and more responsive to the needs of member states and farmers.
“In the end, farmers, foresters, and their co-operatives are the ones that will actually implement the requested transitions while ensuring EU food security, so it is necessary to hear them and build effective responses that work on the ground,” the group commented.
Copa called on the Council of the EU (also known as the Council of Ministers) and the European Parliament to “rapidly” ratify the commission’s proposals.