Heydon: Brussels meeting brings CAP deal 'another step closer'
EU agriculture ministers discussed the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) today with Minister Martin Heydon saying the talks had brought the EU “another step closer” to a post-2027 CAP.
The minister today (Monday, September 28) chaired what he described as a "very productive" meeting of EU agriculture ministers in the Council of the EU (of which Ireland holds the presidency) in Brussels.
Minister Heydon said: "Today’s discussion has brought us another step closer to agreeing a CAP that is fit for the future.
"Farmers need a policy that provides stability and a fair income, while giving them the flexibility and support to respond to the challenges ahead.
"We have provided clear political guidance on the issues that remain open, and we will continue working intensively to find common ground and deliver a Council partial general approach in October".
During the meeting EU agriculture ministers indicated that they welcome the progress made so far, particularly in relation to the "stronger balance" between common EU rules and the flexibility needed to address different national circumstances.
However ministers have called for simplified rules to "ease the administrative burden" for both farmers and national administrations, as well as for increased flexibility for provisions related to "degressivity of direct payments and capping".
In addition to this several ministers also want to see further clarifications when it comes to the definitions of “farmer” and “active farmer”, as well as regarding the transition between the EU’s current long-term budget and the new period.
Drought and fertilisers
Discussions also took place today on the impact of severe drought conditions on farmers in several EU states.
Ministers shared their views on possible targeted measures, flexibility and EU support to help farmers and "better protect the agricultural sector from extreme weather events".
Minister Heydon today also hosted a working lunch where EU ministers discussed the medium and long term aspects of the European Commission’s fertiliser action plan.
The minister said: "We are acutely aware of the pressures that increased fertiliser costs are placing on farmers.
"That is why the Irish presidency today convened a lunchtime discussion on how the fertiliser action plan can be translated into action to support farmers.
"The Irish presidency will continue to support measures by the commission to reduce dependency on fertiliser imports, to increase domestic fertiliser production and to promote the use of alternatives to chemical fertiliser".
