“Not voting for this reformed CAP means taking the risk of keeping the current one, which is highly criticised”, underlined the MEP Jérémy Decerle (Renew Europe, France) in an interview with EUROPE on Tuesday 14 September. He also welcomed the recent announcements made by French President Emmanuel Macron to increase the budget from €280 million to €600 million per year (European and national funds) for the national climate risk management system (Interview by Lionel Changeur).
Agence Europe - Why should we be pleased with the €600 million envelope promised by Mr Macron for the national crop insurance system, in connection with the new CAP?
Jérémy Decerle - The French President’s announcements to improve the risk management system are to be welcomed. This is a national solidarity envelope, which is good, because farmers, at this moment, cannot afford to finance the scheme on their own. The situation is not sustainable for insurers alone either, particularly in view of three consecutive years of climatic hazards in some regions. The State has scored a major hit with this announcement.
But that’s not all. I welcome the progress made in supporting generational renewal and in ensuring that EU support for setting up young farmers is used effectively. Announcements were also made on the reduction of phytosanitary products. There will be no ban without a solution (without an alternative product: Editor’s note) and research is important in finding solutions.
Do you understand the concerns of EU farm organisations after the vote in the European Parliament committees on the EU’s ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy?
I voted in favour of the compromise amendments on this strategy, as this should enable us to move forward. But when it comes to taking legislative decisions later on, I think I would need more certainty about the impact of the strategy on food sovereignty. The Commission and the Member States should provide data, because at this stage we are talking about lower production and inputs, but not about higher incomes for farmers.
We must also provide financial support to European farmers who capture carbon.
How to explain the disparity in the MEPs’ vote on the CAP reform?
Not voting for this reformed CAP means taking the risk of keeping the current one, which is highly criticised. However, the reformed CAP does bring improvements. Not voting for it is akin to disrespect for farmers. Moreover, it is not very logical to vote one text on the CAP and not the other, as some MEPs have done.