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Common Agricultural Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 October 2018

Thursday, 11 October 2018

Questions (143)

Brendan Smith

Question:

143. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in relation to Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, funding post-2020; the proposals he has put forward in relation to the need to increase the CAP budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41645/18]

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Written answers

By way of introduction I would like to point out that in discussing the funding of the Common Agricultural Policy, we should bear in mind that this funding forms part of a broader EU budget which is negotiated by Finance Ministers and then agreed by the Heads of State and Government and the European Parliament. 

The EU proposed CAP budgetary ceilings are a part of these wider proposals on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the European Union for the period 2021-2027.  The European Commission has proposed, as part of the MFF, that funding for the Common Agricultural Policy should not exceed €365 billion for the period 2021-2027. This equates to a cut of around 5% compared to the current provision.  It is hoped that the next MFF will be finalised before the European elections in May 2019.

The MFF proposal published by the European Commission is an initial position. The final outcome will be determined by negotiations at EU level.  Achieving Ireland’s priorities in these negotiations will be a key issue for the Government. Ireland has stated clearly that it is important that policies with demonstrable added value continue to be properly supported. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) remains a priority for Ireland. 

As I have already mentioned, the shape of any new Multi Annual Financial Framework is ultimately a matter for Heads of State and Government.  The agreement of the European Parliament will also be required. Member States have differing expenditure priorities and the loss of UK budgetary contributions will make these negotiations particularly challenging.  Agreement on the budget requires unanimity among Member States.

I have been working closely with my European colleagues to build a consensus to reverse the cut to the CAP budget and to maintain support to CAP at the current EU 27 level.  In May this year, I, along with my EU Ministerial colleagues from France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Finland signed a joint Memorandum seeking the retention of the CAP budget at current levels.  The Memorandum was presented at the Agri-Fish Council in Luxembourg on 18 June, and up to 20 other EU Ministers have signalled their support to this proposal now.  At the Agrifish Council on 16 July 2018 France and Germany presented a joint declaration on the CAP proposals including a joint rejection of the cuts proposed. This paper was supported by other Member states including Croatia, Romania, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Belgium and Ireland.

Over the coming months detailed negotiations will continue at all levels across the EU as we work together to shape the final outcome. At the centre of all our considerations will be the need to ensure that CAP Post 2020, properly funded, will continue to support farm families and the rural economy.

I can assure the deputy that I will continue to work to develop a broad consensus on the value of a strong, fit for purpose agriculture sector, and work to reverse the cuts proposed in the draft MFF.

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