Maria Walsh MEP, member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, has welcomed today’s publication of the report on the Strategic Dialogue for the Future of EU Agriculture.
The report outlines key initiatives for the future of European agriculture including an overhaul of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), an independent fund for measures under the Nature Restoration Law and increased investment to support farmers through the Just Transition.
Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-North West, said:
“One of the most significant recommendations within this report is the proposed overhaul of the Common Agricultural Policy – which is long overdue and badly needed. Under the recommendations, support would be provided to the farmers who need it most. A farmers’ economic viability would be taken into account and the proposed measures would see the CAP delivering income support in a targeted manner.
“Given that the CAP has failed to meet the needs of many farm families, particularly smaller farmers over the last number of years, I welcome the premise of this change to the CAP on the basis that it would ensure small farmers receive their fair share of support. Without meaningful CAP reform the long-term viability of many Irish family farms is in question.
“Farmers will always be compensated for any restoration measures they take, but such financial support cannot be at the expense of other farmers or programmes. I welcome the Report’s calls for the establishment of a well-resourced nature restoration fund – outside of the CAP.
“The Report also recommends the creation of an additional independent fund outside of the CAP, the Agri-food Just Transition Fund (AJTF), to support farmers and agri-food producers. Such investment would allow Irish farmers to pivot their businesses and future-proof their livelihoods.
“Finally, the issue of land mobility and access is an obstacle to many young Irish farmers beginning their agri-careers or scaling their enterprise. I welcome the Report’s recognition that the ‘issue of land access is a topic for the EU to address’, and I will work closely with the European Commission to establish guidelines for Member States on supporting land mobility for young farmers.”