Brussels, 30/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - COPA (Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations of the EU) and COGECA (General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives of the EU) have welcomed the MEPs' call (in their adoption in parliamentary committee of the Dess report, EUROPE 10387) for keeping in place a strong and sustainable common agriculture policy (CAP) and its budget.
Pekka Pesonen, secretary general of COPA-COCEGA, welcomed the fact that the agriculture committee of the European Parliament wants to keep the two pillars of the CAP and agrees that agriculture is well placed to make a major contribution to the fight against climate change, the creation of new jobs and the production of renewable energies. “These are realistic, though ambitious, objectives so it is crucial that the CAP provides a stable framework for farmers through the maintenance of direct payments and measures which ensure well functioning markets and encouraging further viable farm businesses”, stressed Mr Pesonen. He went on to argue in favour of guaranteeing moves to further “green” the CAP, without resulting in increased costs for farmers.
The agriculture organisations also welcome for calls in the Dess report in favour of strengthening the position of farmers in the food chain, “to guarantee that they are able to get the best returns on the market”. The best way of doing this is to focus supply by developing producer organisations such as cooperatives, according to COPA-COGECA.
The European Coordination Via Campesina welcomes the progress in Mr Dess's report towards a fairer division of the direct payments and more sustainable production methods. It goes on to describe the agriculture committee's position as “disappointing” in its overall approach to the markets and agricultural revenue. According to the organisation, it lacks the prospect of “fair and stable income for farmers”. (L.C./transl.fl)