Bryan urges Government to reject leaked CAP reform proposals

IFA president John Bryan has called on Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith and the Government to oppose damaging proposals in a leaked communication from the European Commission on Common Agriculture Policy reform.

The commission said three broad reform options merited consideration. Firstly, an enhanced status quo would build on well-functioning policies, and add limited improvements in specific areas, including greater equity in direct payments across the 27 member states.

This option was seen as offering continuity to the industry, but missing out on reform opportunities – which are addressed in option two, proposing major overhaul to make the CAP more sustainable and better balanced. Tellingly, the commission said option two would make more efficient use of budget resources.