New CAP simplification proposals could unlock EU funding to tackle animal disease, will reduce on-farm inspections and aid Irish farmers and authorities with GAEC 2 requirements, according to MEP Maria Walsh.
The European Commission published a range of CAP simplification measures today Wednesday 14th May, including support for small and organic farmers as well as actions to help with natural disasters and animal disease.
MEP Walsh is a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, and will be raising the issue of additional funding for animal disease with the European Commission during a Committee meeting today.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“Our farmers are drowning in red tape and bureaucracy, and today’s announcement is a much-needed acknowledgement of this fact. More so than merely acknowledging the challenges, these simplification measures will finally relieve much of the pressure weighing on the shoulders of Irish farmers.
“At a time when TB is ravaging through Irish farms, I am hopeful these proposals will unlock additional funding to tackle animal disease.
“The package mentions that Member States should be able to dedicate up to 3% of their annual CAP envelope to help farmers deal with natural disasters or animal diseases. I will be raising this point with the Commission today in the Agriculture Committee and asking for further details as to how this funding can be deployed, and under what conditions.
“Irish farmers have requested more support and clarity on GAEC 2 requirements. Over the past few months, I have requested the Commission to look into including GAEC 2 in the simplification proposal, both with Commissioner Hansen directly and through proposals I submitted through the Agriculture Committee.
“I am heartened to see the Commission listening to the concerns of Irish farmers; GAEC standards now do not have to exceed the mandatory national provisions and existing farming practices where they achieve the objective of the standard.
“The burden of random inspections and controls on farmers will also be reduced; there will be a cap of one on-the-spot check per farm per year.
“The devil is in the detail of this package and I will continue to analyse the proposals over the coming weeks. They will also come before the Parliament and the Agriculture Committee which will afford me an opportunity to raise specific opportunities and challenges for Irish farmers.
“This has the potential to be one of the most ambitious agricultural packages in recent times from the European Commission. We are seeing a new form of decisive and impactful leadership emerging from Commissioner Christophe Hansen. Leadership that listens to the voices of farmers, including Irish farmers, and takes strong action which I hope will assist our agriculture sector through the challenges of our day.”
