Speak out on CAP reform
Farmers with strong views on the future direction of the CAP have two weeks left to share their thoughts with the environment, food and rural affairs select committee.
The influential Parliamentary committee announced last week (News, 19 May) that it intends to hold a public hearing at this year’s Royal Show (4 July) to enable grassroots farmers to have their say on the government’s CAP vision.
The cross-party group of MPs has appealed for farmers to send them a note or letter, setting out what issues they would like to raise.
It has suggested that farmers base their views on the government document, A Vision for the Common Agricultural Policy.
The document recommended phasing out all direct payments and market support for farming by 2020.
The committee has asked for farmer’s views on the likely consequences of such a proposal for food security, international trade and the environment.
| Join the debate |
Send a brief note or letter to the committee which includes your contact details, background and experience. The deadline for submissions is noon 5 June. Submissions can be sent via Farmers Weekly’s website or by writing to Farmers Weekly, EFRA Inquiry, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey, SM5 2AS. Alternatively, submissions can be sent direct to the committee at capvision@parliament.uk (put CAPVISION in the subject box) or CapVision, Environment Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, Committee Office, House of Commons, SW1P 3JA. |
| comments to EFRA so far |
“I agree that CAP needs further reform but the government should acknowledge subsidies will be necessary for as long as the rest of the world has them and as long as our industry bears the cost of national regulation and givens like the minimum wage. By all means get rid of subsidies world wide and let food prices rise to their true level, or if not just accept they are necessary and stop blaming UK farmers for needing them.” Jamie Blackett |