CLA and RSPB join forces to lobby on CAP

The CLA and RSPB say more money must be diverted from direct payments into rural development and environmental schemes when the CAP changes after 2013.

In a joint policy paper, Proposals for the future CAP, launched today (Wednesday, January 27), the landowners and conservationists say farmers must be rewarded properly for the environmental benefits they provide.

The joint alliance, replicated across the EU through the parent organisations Birdlife International and the European Landowners Organisation, will form a strong lobby voice as CAP post-2013 negotiations take shape in Brussels this year.

Mark Avery, RSPB director of conservation, said: “Landowners and conservationists may not always see eye to eye but where reforming the CAP is concerned we are very definitely singing from the same hymn sheet.

“The current system needs to be overhauled to reward farmers properly for the environmental benefits they provide and which are so vitally important for protecting wildlife on farmland.”

William Worsley, CLA president, added: “We have found that on some crucial issues environmental groups such as the RSPB and land managers have a lot in common.

“We agree that the CAP must change to meet this century’s emerging challenges: the growing demand for food, dangers of global warming and threats to Europe’s biodiversity and environmental quality.”

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