Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and thank him for coming to the House. I appreciate this opportunity to put on the record my congratulations to the Minister and his Department on concluding successful negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy. The new CAP was delivered on time and puts in place a policy that is fit for purpose for agriculture in the future and consistent with the Europe 2020 and the Food Harvest 2020 strategies for growth and recovery. I am satisfied that the priorities of sustainable intensification of production, environmental stewardship and promotion of vibrant rural communities, which Ireland brought to the negotiating table, have been preserved with the outcome.

The CAP budget will represent close to 39% of the overall European budget, which means agriculture will remain at the centre of European policy initiative. As we know, Ireland will receive €11 billion from that budget over the term of this agreement. Under the new arrangement, direct payments will now be distributed to Irish farmers in a fairer manner than previously. Acceptance of the approximation model ensures a better compromise between smaller and larger farmers. The agreement strikes a difficult balancing act, ensuring uniformity between member states while allowing for a high degree of flexibility for them in the application of individual measures. This is a pragmatic approach in a complex system which relies on the co-operation of lot of actors. As the consultation process in respect of Pillar 2 continues, I know the Minister seeks to underpin the approach to rural development with the same level of fairness in outcome as was demonstrated in respect of Pillar 1. As we are all aware, Pillar 2 funding contributes in a significant way to the socioeconomic development of rural areas. This must remain the priority up to 2020.

It is important that the significance of CAP is not just viewed from an EU perspective. There are international demands in terms of competitiveness and safe food production. The new agreement provides a framework within which these aims can be achieved. Previous common agricultural policies have been responsible for modernising Europe and ensuring food security. The most recent package advances these policies, bringing with it new measures to encourage generational renewal together with enhanced supports for young farmers. It provides certainty of policy for years to come.

The new measures for young farmers are welcome, particularly given the low levels of agricultural land sales occurring annually. Young farmers hoping to expand must be given opportunities to achieve growth and to access land. The role of young farmers and small holders is emphasised in a number of welcome measures in the agreement. I note that the European Council of Young Farmers praised this package as the first reform to include a mention, not to mind a measure, for young farmers. I know that under Pillar 2 there is the prospect of further measures being provided for younger farmers by means of funding for business start-ups and for small farmers to avail of such start-up aid.

I welcome the role of the European Parliament in the process for the first time since the enactment of the Lisbon treaty. In giving the European Parliament a role in creating policy rather than the previous rubber stamp function, a more robust agreement has emerged. Once again, I thank the Minister for coming to the House today to discuss the agreement which is soon to be in place. It has been a long time coming, with the launch of public consultation on the future of EU farm policy commencing as far back as April 2010 and concluding during the term of the Irish Presidency.