Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 July 2018
12. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the CAP post 2020; his further plans to retain the budget at current levels; if not, his plans to secure increases for the effects of inflation on farmer payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31444/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy way of introduction I would 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 European Council and 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.
The 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 mentioned, the shape of any new Multi Annual Financial Framework is ultimately a matter for Finance Ministers and the European Council. 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.
Recently in Madrid, I agreed a Memorandum, with five of my European colleagues, seeking that CAP funding for 2021 - 27 would not be subject to cuts and would remain at the current level for the 27 EU member states. Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Finland all signed the Memorandum. Support has grown for this position and I understand that up to twenty Member States have expressed support for this position.
On the 4th of July I hosted a Conference on the new CAP legislative proposals for interested stakeholders, including farm bodies, state agencies and the environmental pillar. This was a timely opportunity to bring all interested stakeholders together for a constructive discussion on the future CAP. The range of speakers came from the political sphere, from the European Commission, and from my Department. Earlier this year I held a series of consultative meetings in six locations around the country.
Over the coming months there will be detailed negotiations 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.
The MFF proposals have come at a time of great change and challenge for Europe. 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.
