The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Farm commissioner sets out his stall for post-2020 CAP
DEFRA: London suggesting it will start a similar exercise in the autumn
The EU farm commissioner, Phil Hogan, has set out the basis on which he will build plans in the autumn for the post-2020 CAP.
This will become the basis of a formal reform document next year and confirms that despite having to deal with 27 member states, the EU is far ahead of UK plans.
The commission has already held a public consultation, canvassed the views of member states on key issues and held a ‘have your say’ conference in Brussels.
Defra in London is suggesting it will start a similar exercise in the autumn with a view to producing initial proposals next year.
According to Hogan the key priority is a strong and well-functioning CAP that will deliver an acceptable standard of living for farmers.
He says it must also deliver high environmental standards and help with climate change mitigation.
He has also emphasised that quality food production and rural development policies must be central to the new CAP.
The European Commission has told member states to give their views by September 1 on the proposal to re-license glyphosate for a further 10 years.
It says that in doing so they must consider whether 10 years is an appropriate period. It has already been reduced from 15 in the proposal.
It also says they must consider the scientific evidence available, and the likely impact of a million signatures citizens’ charter document seeking a permanent ban on the product.
While the expectation is glyphosate will be re-licensed by the end of the year, the commission has made clear that for this to happen member states must deliver qualified majority support. The product continues to face opposition from green groups, despite the European Chemicals Agency having declared it is not a potential carcinogen.
The European Commission is continuing to drive new free trade deals at a pace never seen before.
This is in response to pressure to boost the eurozone economies, although in the war that Brexit has become between Brussels and London it may also be a tactic to frustrate the UK.
It cannot conclude any trade deals until it leaves the EU. The commission is now steadily signing up deals with all the countries the UK is targeting.
It recently agreed a free trade deal with Japan, which will be a big boost for dairy and pigmeat exports. Now it has said it is hopeful a negotiating framework will be in place by the end of the year for free trade deals with New Zealand and Australia. It is also bullish about prospects for a deal this year with Mercosur countries of South America and is seeking to conclude a separate deal with Mexico.
Brussels has also embarked on discussions with Brazil and others to limit the impact on trade of agricultural subsidies. UK exporters will be able to take advantage of these deals until Brexit, but not after it unless the UK remains part of the single market via a customs union deal.