With the European Commission due, on 29 November, to present its communication on the future of the CAP prior to legislative proposals being brought forward, scheduled for the second half of 2018 (see EUROPE 11888), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D) is putting the finishing touches to its draft position, “The agriculture we need …”, which was presented to group members on 8 November.
The first goal of our agricultural system is to feed the population with good quality products, while at the same time safeguarding the planet’s ecosystems and the vitality of our rural areas, states the draft position in its preamble. To this are added new challenges: the need for a more social model because the liberal model is beginning to falter, the need for urgent action on the climate and the environment, agriculture 2.0 and society’s new expectations.
To address these challenges, the authors of the draft advocate bringing back market regulation measures: schemes to reduce production; more climate, health and economic risk management tools (insurance, income stabilisation tools, mutual funds); safety nets; and crisis prevention and management systems based on counter-cyclical aid. The Socialist proposal also provides for the strengthening of farmers’ position in the food supply chain and support for human-scale farming.
On the environment, the Socialists want to enshrine the precautionary principle, make organic food and quality products more available and accessible, tackle food waste and speed up the transition to sustainable and economically viable farming.
Lastly, the draft position states that agriculture is much more than a business. It proposes to push a progressive cooperative and social and environmental principles in trade policy.
The text still has to be finalised. Amendments are expected, in particular from the members of Parliament’s international trade committee. (Original version in French)