Brussels, 26/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - Family farming is the theme of the next informal Council of EU agriculture ministers to be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 8 to 10 September this year. Behind the scenes, ministers will also discuss topical issues such as implementation of reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP), after the agreement reached between EU institutions on 26 June this year. The Parliament trusts that discussions will open in September on agricultural issues linked to the EU multiannual financial framework, such as degressivity of aid or the capping of direct aid. Another issue to be tackled at the end of the year is that of transitional measures for the new CAP (the new aid will take effect in 2015 as well as a number of rules on rural development).
The theme of family farms is included on the agenda of the working session of Tuesday 10 September of the informal Agriculture Council. EU ministers will reflect upon ways to maintain and develop this system, which is the “foundation of our European agriculture”, Commissioner Dacian Ciolos said recently. He welcomed the proposal made by the Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council, whilst the year 2014 was decreed the “year of family farming” by the United Nations. Three avenues of reflection are envisaged by the Presidency to: - promote family farming as a model for intelligent and sustainable growth, create an institutional framework beneficial to its viability, and strengthen the place of family farming in the supply chain.
Family farming remains the most widespread model of farming in member states. It is a model based on the values of solidarity and commitment, which makes it possible to ensure food supply security while meeting challenges such as climate change and rural development. Being more resistant and flexible than large farms, small farms are more inclined to diversify their activities, and family farms are also often more able to meet consumer expectations in terms of quality and certification of origin. By targeting research and innovation, the EU plans to strengthen small family farms which are diverse not only by their activity and size but also in relation to their market integration.
Family farms have to confront complex mechanisms as farms are handed down from one generation to the next, i.e. the transfer of production factors and change of ownership, as well as a declining employment market in the agricultural sector. The land market, inheritance rights and taxation are subjects that differ greatly from one member state to the next. The EU underlines the need for an institutional framework that allows the specific needs of family farms to be met and to ensure their viability and their continuity.
Finally, in order to ensure that a family farming model has better access to the markets and greater power of negotiation, the EU plans to promote the reduction of supply chains, including fewer intermediaries between producer and consumer and also the creation of cooperatives, in order to strengthen the place of producers against the other links in the chain, such as wholesalers and retailers. (LM with LC/transl.jl)