Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

411. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent CAP reform proposals outlined by the new European agriculture Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51756/17]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

412. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent CAP reform proposals outlined by the European agriculture Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51768/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.

On the 29 November 2017, the Commission released its Communication on CAP entitled “The Future of Food and Farming”. The document comes against the backdrop of the Commission White Paper on the Future of Europe published on 1 March 2017, and the public consultation on the future of the CAP carried out in the first half of 2017.

The Communication proposes a simpler CAP, with significantly more flexibility for Member States, and a sharper focus on objectives and results, particularly in the environmental area. The document acknowledges the solid performance of the CAP since 1962, but recognises that further work can be done in certain areas.

My Department is currently in the process of examining the implications of this communication. However, we welcome the fact that it recognises the importance of direct payments, that it refers to the importance of EU and other risk management tools, and that a number of important themes , including R& D, technology transfer and investment feature in its analysis. It is also clear that the CAP of the future will need to be configured to assist member states in meeting their climate change and other environmental obligations and the Commission communication makes it clear that the environment will be a key feature of any reformed CAP.

The communication appears to be a reasonably good platform from which to initiate discussions on the future of CAP. However, the real detail will only emerge when we see specific legislative proposals, and this is unlikely to happen until mid 2018.

The Communication covers many of the key issues and challenges for CAP post 2020. However in order to be able to deliver on these challenges, a strong CAP budget will be required. In that regard, I note that the Communication does not address budgetary matters. This is understandable as proposals under the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) post 2020 are not due until May 2018. I will be working closely with my EU counterparts to achieve the best possible outcome on CAP funding in order to provide a solid and effective foundation for the development of the agrifood sector into the future.