Madrid – Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, along with ministers from 19 other member states, has submitted a letter to the European Commission advocating for a future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) grounded in two pillars: direct payments and rural development measures. They call for a “good financial allocation” and for the CAP to possess “its own legal and institutional identity,” distinct from other community policies.
This letter, endorsed by ministers from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Spain, is directed to the Commissioner for Budget, Fight against Fraud, and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, with a copy sent to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Christophe Hansen.
The document articulates a joint declaration from these 20 nations, emphasizing the significance of preserving an “autonomous, independent, and strategic” CAP as negotiations for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) approach this July.
Member state ministers underscore the essential role of the CAP in ensuring food security, fostering a fair livelihood for farmers, maintaining social cohesion, guaranteeing rural sustainability, and supporting the environmental objectives of the European Union (EU).
Addressing political, economic, and environmental challenges within the EU — including climate change adaptation, market fluctuations, and generational renewal in agriculture — they advocate for the forthcoming financial framework to bolster an “independent” CAP, essential for sustaining sustainable agricultural competitiveness, addressing societal expectations, and fulfilling social cohesion goals.
The ministers stress the necessity of retaining the two pillars in the future CAP, asserting that direct payments are “fundamental” for farmers’ and ranchers’ income, particularly in the current geopolitical landscape. Rural development assistance is also deemed “essential” to retain populations in rural areas, stimulate modernization and innovation in agricultural practices and rural infrastructure, and protect the environment.
A “credible” CAP with a sufficient budget
Consequently, they maintain that “a credible CAP” must be underpinned by an adequate budget. The European Commission’s vision for agriculture and food underscores the strategic significance of agricultural policy concerning climate action, food security, and technological progress, necessitating “solid and predictable” financial backing.
Furthermore, they deem it “crucial” for farmers and ranchers to play a central role in the formulation and execution of this specific agricultural policy. (June 5)
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