Glamorgan farmers consider CAP future direction

History of the Common Agricultural Policy, the pressure which it faces in terms of both the budget and policy direction and the leaked copy of the EU Commission’s draft Communication on the future direction of the CAP post 2013 were all discussed at a recent Glamorgan NFU Cymru county meeting.

Local farmers were addressed by Tom Hind, NFU Head of Economics and International Affairs. Mr Hind said, "Although we have seen a leaked draft of the Commission paper – it is not the final version. But it gives some clarity on the Romanian Commissioner’s thinking about the CAP. It’s not without good intentions, but we think the ideas in the paper are more akin to an environmental and social policy than one concerned with agriculture. There are huge pressures on the CAP budget to deliver on a number of priorities and there is a lot of competition on the budget resource available."

The Commission paper sets out three key challenges for agriculture: food security; territorial balance; the environment and climate change. Tom Hind said, "The food security and environment elements are not surprising; but the weight given to the distribution of support throughout the European Union could have an impact on Welsh farmers in particular, given that there will be pressure from new member states for increased fairness and equity."

Richard Isaac, NFU Cymru Glamorgan County Chairman said, "Welsh farmers will inevitably be affected post 2013. We are likely to see a move away from the historic based single farm payment towards an area based approach. This needs careful consideration about the best options for Wales and a reasonable transitional period to minimise any negative impacts. Support for uplands is also important and a big issue for Welsh farmers in view of the current difficulties many are facing with the Glastir scheme.

"Although we are expecting the final document in November, the European Commission is unlikely to provide its detailed proposals until next July but there will be a lot of negotiations behind the scenes in the intervening period and it is important that the Welsh Assembly Government bats for Welsh farmers."