Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 November 2013
167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects the Common Agricultural Policy reform programme to facilitate support for the development of the food industry here and throughout the European Union for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48760/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new CAP is marked by three major advances:
- First there is a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability through the greening of direct payments and the requirement to support agri-environment measures in rural development programmes.
- Second, concerted efforts are being made to tackle the problem of generation renewal through new and enhanced supports for young farmers;
- Third, the phasing out of production quotas for key products such as sugar and milk, backed up by safety-net provisions in cases of severe market disturbance, continues the increased orientation towards the market.
Overarching these changes is the flexibility that has been allowed to Member States to adapt the policy measures under both the first and second pillar to deal with their own specific challenges within the common policy.
These changes amount to a useful and progressive reform of the CAP making it fit for purpose to 2020. They are consistent with the smart, green, growth objectives of Food Harvest 2020 and provide farmers and the agri-food sector with policy certainty for the years to come.
I believe that the agreement achieved will secure strong and sustainable growth in the agriculture and food sectors into the future. It will underpin sustainable intensification of production in the years ahead. It will also support environmental stewardship and contribute to the maintenance of a vibrant rural economy.
