EC launches debate on future of CAP
A public debate on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy has been launched today (12 April) by EU agriculture commissioner Dacian Ciolos.
It is designed to give people the chance to have a say in how the CAP is structured after the-2012 reforms, what its objectives should be and how these can be delivered, particularly within the context of the ‘Europe 2020’ economic strategy.
Broadly it will centre around four main topics:
• Why do we need a European Common Agricultural Policy?
• What are society’s objectives for agriculture in all its diversity?
• Why should we reform the CAP and how can we make it meet society’s expectations?
• What tools do we need for tomorrow’s CAP?
A new website has been created to host the public debate, which will be open for contributions until June 2010.
“The Common Agricultural Policy is not just a matter for experts. It’s a policy for all Europeans,” Mr Ciolos said. “We must take the time to get the ideas and expectations of all stakeholders.
“I want the reactions and thoughts not only of farmers, but also of environmental protection associations, consumers, and animal welfare groups. We must open this debate up as much as possible. All of society benefits from this common European policy through food, land-use management, and environmental protection. So obviously citizens should have the right and the time to express their views.”
The Tenant Farmers Association has already set out what it sees as the seven key principles which must underpin CAP reform in order for farmers to get a fair standard of living.
An independent body will summarise all contributions to the public debate before the European Commission organises a conclusive conference about its findings in July. An idea of how the CAP will be structured after 2013 is likely to be presented at the end of this year.
Click here to take part in the debate (website will be live until 17:00 on 12 April).