‘Greener’ demands on farmers likely

RUMOURS of much “greener” demands on EU farmers have been strengthened by a document leaked from the EU headquarters in Brussels. The draft document discusses a number of ideas on how the Common Agricultural Policy from 2014 to 2020 should be reformed.

It suggests basic income support payments may become more equitably distributed across the 27 member states and would be paid to active farmers only, with a mandatory “green” component.

Earlier indications of capping payments on large farms, and co-financing — which would leave farmers relying more on member state exchequers — figure again in this latest leak of European Commission thinking on agriculture.

The official proposals are due to be officially unveiled in mid-November by Commissioner Dacian Ciolos.

Ireland East Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness said the leaked document raises more questions than it answers, and lacks detail and substance. But she confirmed it contains a stronger environmental theme, and sets out minimum payments to farmers and environmentally linked top-ups, as well as payment caps.

She said it outlines three options, including a ‘status quo’ enhanced with more even payments across member states.

But there were also more radical suggestions of abolition of market support and income support, leaving only limited payments for environmental public goods and for disadvantaged areas.