NFU calls for fair treatment for Welsh farmers in European budget

Welsh farmers must receive fair and equitable treatment in the final European Budget, NFU Cymru said today following the publication of the European Commission’s proposals for 2014-2020.

NFU Cymru President Ed Bailey said, "Given the austerity and budget deficit reduction policies around Europe, we could not expect agriculture to be entirely spared. The Commission are proposing a budget freeze for the CAP, which I believe represents a realistic outcome.

"In the long term Welsh farmers want to reach a situation where their businesses can be less reliant on the CAP for income stability. But, this is not currently the case – the fact is that the Single Farm Payment typically contributes between 70 and 90% of farm business income in Wales.

"We need a competitive and productive European agriculture, capable of responding to the challenges of global food security, and at the same time operating in a sustainable way.

"We await further details of the Commission’s proposals on the future CAP, due in October. I have always said that, whatever the size of the final budget allocation, fair and equitable treatment for Welsh farmers is vital."