Brussels, 17/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - EU agriculture ministers failed, on Thursday 17 March, to find agreement on the text of the conclusions on the reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) after 2013. Six countries felt unable to support the document - the liberal countries (United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark) and the Baltic states. It was, then, the Hungarian Presidency of the Council which published its own conclusions, even though it noted there was a qualified majority in favour of the text within the Council. The next step is for the Commission to bring forward legislative proposals around September of this year.
Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Cioloº said the conclusions would provide an added value for the Commission's work on the legislative package.
Budget. The text notes broad support for the CAP of the future to remain a strong common policy and, with regard to the EU budget, for it to have financial resources commensurate with its objectives “without prejudice to the decisions of the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework post-2013”.
Direct aid. The conclusions underline that direct income support for EU farmers “has proven its worth” and will remain a key part of the CAP towards 2020. EU countries recognise the need for “more equitable” distribution of direct income support among member states. The Commission is encouraged to explore the possibilities for member states to further target the direct income support they grant (assistance to small farmers, more aid directed towards active farmers).
No to caps. The conclusions note the “significant opposition” on the parts of some member states (Czech Republic, Germany, Romania and Slovakia in particular) to the introduction of an upper ceiling for direct payments received by individual farms (capping). The Commission has not, however, given up on capping, Cioloº said.
Greening of aid. The text underlines that any further environmental measures should be simple and cost-effective and should avoid any overlap between pillars.
Maintenance of coupled aid. The text notes broad agreement to continue voluntary coupled support in certain sensitive sectors and in certain regions.
Market measures. Existing market measures “continue to constitute a necessary safety net”. Ministers welcome the Commission suggestion of a risk management toolkit, though use of this instrument “should be voluntary and should not distort competition”.
The opportunity must be seized, the text states, to improve the operation of the food supply chain and, with regard to EU standards, ministers say there is a need for “a level playing field between the EU and third country producers”. (L.C./transl.rt)