European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, speaking in Ireland on 20 April, acknowledged that the budget of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was a “target for cuts” in the debate on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF) (see EUROPE 12006).
He made clear his determination to defend what had been gained through this policy and stated that his top priority in the ongoing EU budget negotiation is “protecting the small and medium sized farmer who remains the backbone of Europe's food production”. Budget Commissioner Günther Oettinger has indicated that, on 2 May, the Commission would propose a 6% reduction in agricultural spending for the 2021-2027 MFF.
Hogan cautioned that “the challenge in defending the CAP is unprecedented this time around”. Brexit, when the United Kingdom leaves the EU, will blow a €12 billion hole in EU budget and new priorities, such as security, migration and defence, have grown in prominence in recent years. “Therefore, in many quarters the CAP is viewed as the obvious target for cuts.” The commissioner pointed out that the member states have the possibility of making up the Brexit shortfall by contributing a higher percentage of gross national index, and that is what he has been arguing for, in view of the value for money the CAP delivers. “But we need to be realistic: in the absence of more money from member states, there will be a cut to the CAP budget. My job as I see it is to build the strongest possible coalition to resist the worst of these cuts”, he said.
In Hogan’s view, “the bottom line is that farmer income must continue to be supported” and farmers must be rewarded for what they do in relation to the climate challenge. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)