From:    press at alde.euMay 20, 2008

CAP (The Common Agriculture Policy of the EU -based on “set asides” that subsidize the reduction of production) needs a check-up to keep pace with changing needs and circumstances that caused an increase in the cost of food anyway.

Welcoming the legislative proposals for CAP reform as presented by the European Commission today, Niels BUSK (Venstre, Denmark), ALDE coordinator in the Agriculture Committee, said: “The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) needs to be adjusted to the obvious changes in the global demand for food. A demand that will continue to increase with increasing living standards in India, China etc.”

“Positive developments in this legislative package include the scrapping of set-aside and phasing out of milk quotas by 2015 following small increases to ensure a soft landing for milk producers. More decoupling and a move away from historical payments are much needed to make the CAP a strong and sound basis for the future of European food production,” added Mr. Busk.

“The Health Check was never intended as a major overhaul of agricultural policy. The proposed adjustments of the CAP however are still important though and must not be watered down by protectionism and a lack of vision”, concluded Niels Busk.

Graham Watson, leader of the ALDE group also signalled his support for commissioner Fischer-Boel’s efforts to update the CAP and streamline it for the needs of the consumer and farmer today:

“These proposals signal a further shift in policy towards financing rural development in line with the challenges of today. Once this legislation passes through the House, the European funds available to help our countryside withstand the pressures of climate change will be more than doubled. We shall strive to translate the Commission’s vision into a modern, effective and sustainable agricultural policy for the years ahead”.