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Common Agricultural Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Ceisteanna (900)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

900. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the Common Agricultural Policy. [24154/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a vitally important European policy aimed at achieving a number of objectives, including the provision of a safe and secure food supply for EU citizens, supporting farmers' incomes while helping them to become more market-oriented, and addressing important challenges in the area of environmental sustainability.

Despite much criticism, the CAP has evolved very effectively over successive reforms in response to developments in the agri-food sector itself and in the wider environment in which the sector operates. In this way it has helped farmers and the sector more widely to deal with challenges associated with issues such as market volatility and climate change.

This process of evolution continues with the latest proposals for the post-2020 CAP, which, among other things, seek to increase further the level of climate ambition and give Member States more autonomy in designing measures to achieve EU objectives, while also requiring them to monitor and report on performance in a more comprehensive manner. Member States will also be expected to set out how they will contribute to the achievement of the targets outlined in the new EU Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies.

While it is fair to say that I am content with the overall direction of travel that the CAP is taking, there remains a number of issues to resolve in the ongoing negotiations. I am consulting widely with stakeholder organisations on these issues and will input appropriately to the discussions in the coming weeks. I will also continue to consult with stakeholders on the development of Ireland's new CAP Strategic Plan, and on the measures that should be implemented in the transitional period between the current and future CAP frameworks.

I would also add that it is imperative that the level of ambition for the CAP is matched by appropriate funding. In this regard, I welcome the agreement in July by Heads of State and Government on the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and Next Generation EU Recovery Instrument, and I look forward to the timely conclusion of the next phase of discussions with the European Parliament.

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