EU rural development policy change
Fine Gael MEP Mairéad McGuinness said there will be only one single funding, programming, management and control framework for rural development, simplifying the entire system of support.
There are three clear parts to the new strategy: improving the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry through support for restructuring, modernisation and quality production; helping to improve the environment through land management; and enhancing the quality of rural life through promoting diversification of economic activities, including improved access to basic services and infrastructure.
Ms McGuinness said the approach to rural development is very positive but a large cloud hangs over the policy unless there is clarity about EU funding.
“Six member states want to pay less into the EU budget. Without adequate funding, rural development is in trouble. It is vital that member states see the value of rural development and press for sufficient funding to ensure the success of the policy.”
She warned that if this does not happen, there is a danger of higher modulation rates being applied to the single farm payment, resulting in farmers funding rural development.
IFA Rural Development chairman Padraic Divilly said new criteria proposed by the EU Commission to classify disadvantaged areas must be seized on by the Government to protect payment levels to over 100,000 farmers.
