Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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50. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the funding of the CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33526/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Agri-fish Council of Ministers reached an agreed general approach on the  CAP Reform Package on 21 October, after more than two years of negotiations. The Council now has a political mandate to begin trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament and Commission.  The final shape of the CAP Reform Package will not be clear until this overall agreement has been achieved.

The Council position includes the proposed introduction of mandatory ECO schemes into the system of direct payments, and an enhanced baseline for environmental conditionality. A ring-fenced budgetary amount for ECO schemes of 20% of the direct payment budget would be implemented, and a two-year so-called 'learning' period would be permitted at the start of the CAP Strategic Plan which would allow Member States avoid any loss of unspent funds due to lower-than-expected take-up of ECO schemes. 

I welcome the proposed introduction of new ECO schemes. Farmers will access these funds by undertaking additional actions which go beyond the basic environmental  requirements.  Member States will design schemes based on their own analysis of needs. My officials will consider options for these schemes, and there will be ongoing consultation with all the stakeholders through the CAP Consultative Committee. 

As we move closer to the trilogues  I am  hopeful that  agreement will also shortly be reached on the European budget, which will give us the budgetary certainty to finalise  plans and begin to implement the new CAP.