Until recently, and in typical Brussels style, there has been a lot of talk and the only concrete plan in the pipeline was the publication of a 'Communication' on the reform due before the end of the year. The discussion is gathering momentum however and along with launching a 'public discussion' on the future of the CAP, Commissioner Ciolos has touched on some controversial issues at recent public events.
In Copenhagen this week he said that farm payments should be more 'fairly' distributed between member states but was quick to add that a fair distribution does not necessarily mean 'equal' distribution across the EU. He has said on numerous occasions that payments based on historical production can no longer be justified but added that future payments should be based on 'objective criteria' that are clear and legitimate as far as EU citizens are concerned.
There have also been comments from Mr. Ciolos on the idea of capping direct farm payments. Whilst not divulging any details in public meetings with MEPs, when pushed by journalists the Commissioner has been unable to resist questioning the justification of certain levels of farm aid, adding that the objectives of direct payments would need to be reviewed in order to make sure that the money is going to the right places. The Commissioner has also said that although capping payments for larger farmers did not get a great deal of support from member states during the 'Health Check' of the CAP in 2008, it was something that he was likely to look closely at in the upcoming Communication.
When UFU Chief Executive Clarke Black spoke alongside the Commissioner at a recent Brussels Hearing on the CAP, the pair came to an agreement on the need to get a CAP to fit all types of EU agriculture. Mr. Black's message was "one size won't fit all", and encouraged the Commissioner to tell the audience of EU Conservative MEPs that Europe should not be facing the prospect of cuts in agricultural spending at a time when the sector has more challenges to face than ever.
The UFU again took matters into hand this week, as we set about influencing the initial position of the European Parliament on CAP reform by asking Northern Ireland's MEPs to table amendments helpful to their farming constituents.
Amid the continued calls from some pressure groups for 'the greening of the CAP' to take priority over securing food supply, the UFU demanded recognition for the environmental benefits already provided by farmers, as well as underlining the importance of incentivising the environmental public benefits that the market does not pay for.