British farmers out-muscled in CAP debate

Last month the European Commission launched a public debate inviting all Europeans to give their ideas on how to shape farm policy after 2013 – but British responses have been few and far between.

There have now been 1,000 contributions to the debate but only 32 from the UK.

Germany is leading the charge with 275 contributions, closely followed by France with 229.

One Commission official said the figures were a ‘very real reflection’ of the influence held by Britain in European talks.  

“Of course it is only a survey but it is worrying to see Britain already lagging behind France and Germany in the debate,” he said.

While it is only a survey of views Dacian Ciolos, the agriculture commissioner, said each contribution would help him shape his formal proposals due out in November.

Launching the debate last month, Mr Ciolos said: “The Common Agricultural Policy is not just a matter for experts. It’s a policy for all Europeans.

“We must listen to the citizens of Europe. We must take the time to get the ideas and expectations of all stakeholders.”

Apart from a handful of farmers, the NFU, RSPB, Dorset County Council, Aston University and CLA have all submitted their responses to the online debate.  

When the debate closes on June 3 an external company will evaluate the comments and present a report in time for a conference in Brussels on July 19-20.

The Commission is then scheduled to present its blueprint for the post-2013 CAP in November. 

To participate in the debate – or to view the contributions – go to http://ec.europa.eu/cap-debate.

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