Under the current draft CAP 2021-2027 proposals, each Member State is required to submit a CAP Strategic Plan by the 1st of January 2020. The process of developing the draft CAP Strategic Plan will be a complex one, involving a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, a needs assessment, scheme design, an ex ante evaluation including a Strategic Environmental Assessment, and an Appropriate Assessment. A central element of this process will be on-going and substantive stakeholder and public consultation.
My Department is currently engaged in the tendering process for the appointment of an external provider to conduct an ex-ante evaluation, including a Strategic Environmental Assessment and, if required, an Appropriate Assessment on the draft CSP. The closing date for receipt of tenders was Tuesday 5 February 2019. My Department will now evaluate the tenders received. It is envisaged to have a contract awarded before the end of Quarter 1 of 2019.