CAP reform vote leaves greening in a muddle
A crucial vote by MEPs has caused confusion over the way ahead for the greening of the CAP.
The vote on 300 proposed amendments to CAP reform will be used by parliament’s negotiators in discussions with the Council of Ministers and the European Commission ahead of a final deal expected by June this year.
But NFU senior CAP adviser Gail Soutar said confusion reigns after the vote in the European Parliament. “None of the amendments that recognise existing efforts of farmers for the environment have survived the MEP vote,” said Ms Soutar
It had been hoped environmental work already undertaken would count towards greening.
“But the vote means the commission’s original proposals for large parts of greening is re-instated into the parliament’s position. Whether that was truly the intention of the majority of MEPs is yet to be seen,” said Ms Soutar.
Ms Soutar outlined other key elements of the vote.
“A majority of MEPs voted to support the reintroduction of coupled aid to 15% of the member states’ envelopes,” she said.
And market management measures penalising farmers who increase milk production once the dairy quotas end in 2015 and grant an aid to those who cut production, have been introduced.
“Modulation is confirmed by MEPs at 15%. Many of the cross-compliance elements that were stripped out earlier this year by members of the agriculture committee have been reinstated, including the burdensome and deeply controversial sheep EID requirements,” Ms Soutar said.
MEPs vetoed plans to abolish sugar quotas in 2015, arguing for their retention until 2020 so farmers have time prepare for the liberalisation of the sector.
In a move described by the NFU as a big result for UK growers, MEPs also supported inter-professional agreements, which enable it to negotiate beet prices and contracts rather than leaving it to individual growers.