EU launches public debate over CAP

The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş, launched the debate for all citizens to speak up about the future of the CAP in Brussels today (Monday, April 12).

The debate will centre around five main topics:

• Why do we need the CAP?
• What are society’s objectives for agriculture?
• Why should we reform the CAP?
• How can the CAP meet society’s expectations?
• How can the CAP contribute to developing the Europe 2020 strategy for jobs and sustainable growth?

Mr Cioloş 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.”

The CAP currently has a budget of around £50bn, most of which (£35 million) is paid to farmers in the form of direct subsidies.

But a fundamental shift in policy is expected after 2013 when the CAP will need to balance new priorities such as food security, climate change and the environment with a smaller share of the EU budget.

This debate will attempt to engage all spectrums of society.

“I want the reactions and thoughts not only of farmers, but also of environmental protection associations, consumers, and animal welfare groups. We must open this debate up as much as possible.

“All of society benefits from this common European policy through food, land-use management, and environmental protection, so obviously citizens should have the right and the time to express their views,” said Mr Cioloş.

Public contributions to the future of the CAP can be made on the Commission website until June 2010.

The Commission will take all views into account before it publishes a Communication on the future of the CAP after 2013 towards the end of 2010.

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