Owen Paterson ‘won’t be moved’ on CAP greening
DEFRA secretary Owen Paterson has reiterated his belief that England should operate its own scheme rather than adopt agri-environment measures proposed by Brussels.
“It is important that we have the flexibility we need to work with our farmers to design ‘greening’ which is right for us,” he told an EU farm council meeting on Monday (18 March).
Ministers from 27 EU countries attending the two-day meeting in Brussels hope to reach agreement on a general approach on a range of CAP reform proposals.
But there is some way to go.
Mr Paterson said member states should be allowed to offer farmers their own schemes instead of – rather than alongside – agri-environment measures proposed by European Commission.
“This change is essential if the UK is to support the greening measures which might otherwise be open to accusations of being weakened and poorly targeted.”
UK farm leaders – who have formed a coalition to fight Mr Paterson’s idea – remain at loggerheads with DEFRA over the issue.
The coalition of 24 farming groups fears English farmers could be left at a disadvantage to their European counterparts if Mr Paterson gets his way.
The NFU said it would be unfair for the government to impose more stringent environmental conditions in England than those faced by other EU farmers.
Mr Paterson said he was as keen as everyone else to reach a deal on CAP reform and provide farmers with the certainty needed to plan their businesses.
“I want a greener CAP that continues on the path of reform, that is simple and delivers value for money. These are reasonable objectives but I don’t think we have achieved them yet.”
Owen Paterson
“While I am pleased with some of the progress that’s been made, there are a number of areas where we still need to make improvements to the text to get a progressive deal on the CAP.”
A good deal was needed for farmers and the environment, while showing that public money was being spent efficiently, said Mr Paterson.
“I want a greener CAP that continues on the path of reform, that is simple and delivers value for money. These are reasonable objectives but I don’t think we have achieved them yet.”
Earlier, EU farm council president and Irish farm minister Simon Coveney called on member states to take a clear and decisive step towards a new CAP framework.
Agreeing a comprehensive council position on CAP reform would bring the aim of an overall political agreement by the end of June one step nearer, he said.
Mr Coveney acknowledged that reaching an agreement was big challenge given the range and complexity of issues to be addressed in what was a short timescale.
But he expressed optimism that a plenary vote by the European parliament last week would provide impetus towards an agreed position by the farm council.
“I would urge my colleagues to keep the broader perspective in mind,” said Mr Coveney.
“If we want to conclude an inter-institutional agreement with the European parliament and the commission by the end of June, we need to agree a council general approach now.
“The parliament demonstrated this week that it is ready to play its part. The council must now do likewise.”