Support for CAP reform deal muted

There was muted support across Europe from the various interest groups to the deal hammered out by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney on a common stance by EU member states on a reform of the CAP.

Farming bodies, including the IFA and its EU counterpart Copa-Cogeca, welcomed the additional flexibility built into the council’s position and encouraged Mr Coveney to ensure that this survives the negotiations with the European Parliament and the commission over the coming weeks.

Environmental groups and those looking for a radical change to the bloc’s common agriculture policy were equally anxious to pressurise the minister towards more green policies and tying them in more tightly to qualifying for funds.