Reformed CAP must have budget fit for purpose - Lyon (Shetland Liberal Democrats)

Shetland Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Reformed CAP must have budget fit for purpose - Lyon

March 31, 2010 12:01 AM
Originally published by George Lyon - Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has published his report setting out the European Agriculture Committee's priorities for the upcoming reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

In the report, Mr Lyon sets out five key building blocks that should form the heart of the CAP going forward from 2013. These principles are designed to deliver a fairer, greener and more sustainable agriculture support system for farmers in Scotland and across Europe.

Key priorities include providing food security and good value for money for Scottish and European consumers and taxpayers.

But Mr Lyon warned that these priorities will not be delivered unless a strong budget is secured for the CAP 2013.

Commenting, Mr Lyon said:

"This report is the result of months of detailed consultation and sets out how to deliver a fairer, greener and more sustainable CAP.

"But those goals will not be achieved unless we have the resources to back them up.

"In the coming years we are facing the perfect storm of rising energy costs, water shortages and concern over carbon emissions all while trying to feed a growing global population.

"The post-2013 CAP must address these issues head on. While food security and fair trade are principles still very much at the heart of the CAP, it is clear that agriculture and the CAP must do more than play its traditional role.

"A reformed and renewed CAP must offer solutions to new challenges like climate change and green growth. Agriculture is well placed to do so with farmers having the opportunity to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

"For CAP to be effective at delivering both old and new priorities it needs a budget fit for purpose. That is why we must guard against any CAP budget cut and ensure that it has a strong budget and a clear mandate to meet the challenges of the future."

Notes:

The full report is available here: http://bit.ly/CAPreport