Minister hopes to gain EU support in CAP reform discussions

Agri-food stakeholders are confident that Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney’s efforts to gain EU-wide support for his gradual model of redistribution of farm payments will bear fruit in CAP reform talks today and tomorrow in Luxembourg.

A final deal guiding CAP from 2014-20 is likely to be unveiled after the talks.

While opinion is divided on how best to use funds to protect the EU’s autonomy in food security and to promote sustainability, there is a growing belief that the new CAP will allow flexibility for member states to distribute farm payments in a way that supports active farmers.