The need to modernise the common agricultural policy to preserve its funds for the period after 2020 is reaffirmed in almost all European political parties' programmes for the European elections at the end of May. But differences are bound to appear on the modalities of the changes to be made, while the EU institutions are struggling to reach a final political agreement on the Commission's proposals on the post-2020 CAP (see EUROPE 12254/1).
The European People's Party (EPP), led by Manfred Weber, defends a CAP that is oriented towards the 21st century and that is sufficiently financially endowed.
Mr Weber has already stated that “the EPP is the farmers' party, we want to defend investments for the benefit of farmers”. Originally from a rural region of Bavaria, Mr Weber believes that agricultural products are not typical and tradable products. In his view, agriculture should be excluded from trade liberalisation.
A more modern CAP. The EPP programme suggests helping farmers to meet the challenges through “targeted support and a modern CAP”. The EPP wants a CAP that is “fairer, more sustainable and results-driven, while respecting subsidiarity and local conditions and adhering to common EU rules”. The CAP must be designed to help family farms cope with globalisation, climate change and food security challenges. The EPP also wants: - additional incentives for young farmers; - a reduction in red tape for farmers (more digital solutions and simplification of administrative procedures).
At the international level, the EPP is committed to defending EU standards in agriculture, fisheries and food quality, “while protect[ing] our health from lower quality imports”. The EPP is committed to defending the EU's high standards and “fighting unfair practices in trade negotiations so that our agricultural sector remains competitive”.
Finally, the EPP opposes “dual food quality in Europe. There can be no second-class citizens”.
A reform of the CAP. For the Party of European Socialists (PES), the “Manifesto 2019” emphasises the need for “CAP reform” to help meet new societal requirements, including sustainable production methods, better food, less food waste, greater animal welfare, climate protection and biodiversity conservation.
The ALDE party's objective is to “substantially reform and rethink agricultural subsidies”. This party also hopes to increase transparency and equality in the payment of direct subsidies. It insists on a non-bureaucratic, transparent and modern CAP that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, generational renewal and the sustainability of agriculture. The ALDE party also refers to the challenge of antimicrobial resistance and opposes any “renationalisation” of the CAP.
Food independence. The priority of the European Left Party is to ensure “food independence” by promoting economically and ecologically sustainable agriculture. The European left believes that the choice of production and investment should be based on criteria for preserving local ecosystems and protecting biodiversity. “We reject the dominant unsustainable production patterns and the consumerist model, which are two sides of capitalism”, the platform states.
For the European Green Party (EGP), it will be necessary to invest in healthy food production in the future, rather than subsidising an agro-industry that “destroys soil, worsens the biodiversity crisis and monopolises food production”. The most toxic pesticides must be banned as soon as possible, according to the Greens. Subsidies to farmers through the CAP should reflect their ability to commit to climate change, protect water, invest in animal welfare, protect biodiversity and eliminate GMOs. Finally, the EGP demands fair prices for farmers. The Greens are also committed to the welfare of farm animals and oppose the “cruelty of mass farming and the transport of live animals over long distances”.
The responsibilities of DG AGRI. In a letter sent to the top candidates of political parties for the elections, EU agricultural organisations and cooperatives (Copa-Cogeca) ask that, in the organisation of the next Commission, the Commission's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) “retain its strategic responsibility for EU agricultural and rural development policies” and remain “the main DG” responsible for all aspects of the CAP.
“Contrary to some suggestions”, which would like to give DG Environment a more prominent role in the CAP, “we believe that the role and responsibilities of DG AGRI should be strengthened in order to strengthen the coordination of European Union policies affecting the activities of European farmers and agricultural cooperatives”, the letter states. DG AGRI contributes significantly to several of the Commission's policy priorities, including trade, employment, growth and investment, and the internal market, Copa-Cogeca points out. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)