CAP reform

The mission, proposed by MEPs Barry Cowen and Ciaran Mullooly, follows a similar proposal made by MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan and was adopted by AGRI political co-ordinators at its last meeting.

It comes from the body’s report ‘Fostering sustainable and resilient food systems at times of growing crises’.

It comes ahead of a debate in the European Parliament on the report on the strategic dialogue for the future of EU agriculture.

The CAP wants farmers to lead society to a more conscious form of consumption, but food production has always been demand-led. It's unchartered territory, with obvious risks in a global marketplace.

With a general election before next March, and probably not long after Halloween, there will be more politicians than chipper vans at the Ploughing Championships this year, writes Pat O’Toole.

The Commission is reviewing the recommendations of a report which calls for a move away from area-based payment schemes.

The final report of the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture report called for a better targeting of CAP payments towards small farms, mixed farms and young farmers.

The report outlines initiatives for the future of European agriculture, including an overhaul of CAP and an independent fund for measures under the Nature Restoration Law.