Latest CAP reform recommendations published

Dairy UK today published the latest in its catalogue of influential policy briefings.

Covering the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the recommendations of the High Level Experts Group (HLEG) on Milk, the document ensures that Dairy UK will continue to lead the way in determining industry thinking and policy in this important area, by setting out key Dairy UK policies which include:

- The European Union (EU) must seek to promote efficiency in agricultural production.

- The EU must recognise that agriculture cannot be exempted from the process of trade liberalisation.

- The EU must contribute to meeting rising global demand for food without interfering in the agricultural development of other countries.

- The dairy industry should be assisted to adapt to increased price volatility.

- The carbon efficiency of EU dairy farmers means the EU is ideal for milk production and further reductions in carbon emissions can be achieved by greater efficiency.

- Dairy farming provides positive environmental benefits for which public support should be provided.

- The EU has to find a balance between the evolution of farming and food processing methods and ensuring consumers can exercise choice on matters of ethical concern.

- The CAP should not become an EU Common Food Policy.

"CAP reform and the recommendations of the High Level Experts Group are so important in determining the future structure and direction of the dairy sector" said Jim Begg, Dairy UK Director General. "Commissioner Dacian Ciolos will be bringing forwards proposals later in the year. The industry needs to be prepared. Analysis of the issues and clear thinking on policy are needed for the best deal to be achieved on behalf of the UK. That is what this document delivers".

Mr Begg then invited comment on the policy briefing. "We hope that industry stakeholders will study this publication and share their thoughts with us to enable a full and open debate of the issues" he said.