Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has studied the impact of CAP reform on the agricultural sector here; if she has proposals to address such issues directly or in the context of the WTO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30442/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I believe that there are and will be major benefits for producers and consumers arising out of the on-going implementation of the reformed CAP.

As part of the 2003 reforms the introduction of the full decoupling of direct payments under the Single Payment Scheme ensures that farmers now have the 'freedom to farm' and that the CAP is geared towards the demands of the market and consumers. The Single Payment Scheme is linked to food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards. Irish farmers receive some €1.3 billion per annum in Single Payments while consumers are guaranteed a supply of safe food, produced to high animal welfare and environmental standards, at reasonable cost.

The AgriVision 2015 Action Plan which I published in March 2006 sets out my vision for a competitive, consumer-focused and knowledge driven agrifood sector which will contribute to a vibrant rural economy, society and environment and which exploits opportunities in non-food areas. In addition to a broad vision statement, the Plan sets out over one hundred and sixty specific actions to be implemented for the development of the sector. It was drawn up in the light of the 2003 CAP reforms and the likelihood of a more liberalised trade policy under a new WTO agreement but also against the background of other changes which will impact on the sector such as lifestyle changes, the emergence of technology and research and development as market drivers and structural changes in the farming and the retail sector.

My main concern, in respect of the 2003 CAP reform, is to ensure that there is a period of stability to allow farmers to implement the changes necessitated by decoupling and to adapt to the market needs in a stable policy environment. In this connection, next week the Commission will present its communication on preparation for the Health Check of the CAP to EU Agriculture Ministers and I note the assurances given by Commissioner Fischer Boel that further major policy changes are not contemplated at this stage.

It is in this context also that the ongoing WTO negotiations represent a significant challenge. The outcome of the negotiations will determine the levels of protection and support that the EU may provide for the duration of the next agreement.

My overriding objective in the ongoing negotiations is to ensure that the terms of the agreement can be accommodated within the framework of the reformed CAP. This represents the limit of the EU Commission's negotiating mandate in these negotiations and I will continue to insist that this mandate is respected.