10% cut in EU direct payments to farmers must be avoided: ICOS

European Council President Charles Michel with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, in one of a series of meetings where Michel briefed heads of state and governments ahead of the special European Council meeting on July 17-18, where leaders will be under pressure to make progress on budget and recovery plans. With these negotiations delayed , the EU has agreed a two-year CAP transition.

A cut of close to 10% to direct payments to farmers is included in the EU budget proposals which leaders of member states will discuss on July 17, says ICOS European Affairs Executive Alison Graham.

She warns that unless our politicians can ensure that the CAP budget is at least maintained at current levels, our farmers could face cuts in EU payments.