On Wednesday 19 June, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted its opinion on the future of the common agricultural policy (CAP), calling for a CAP that is “fairer, more sustainable and based on solidarity for the benefit of farmers, regions, consumers and citizens” (see EUROPE 13377/14).
One of the measures requested by local and regional elected representatives is the fair redistribution of direct payments to farmers (see EUROPE 13433/28). This would help to maintain a balance between rural and urban areas, preserving both livelihoods and landscapes within the EU. In addition, the CoR is tackling a much-criticised aspect of the CAP by calling for a shift from per-hectare aid to fairer aid based not only on work intensity but also on compliance with social and environmental standards.
In addition, the CoR is calling for farmers to be better protected, both in terms of adapting to climate change and facing market risks.
Lastly, the CoR would like to have a greater say in the governance of the CAP, so that it can be adapted to local conditions.
Link to opinion: https://aeur.eu/f/cr6 (Original version in French by Paul Charles – intern)