Jill Evans MEP today welcomed the fact that the European Commission has acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers in Wales in their communication on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). However, real solutions for issues such as climate change and market volatility are yet to be presented, with the Commission claiming that this is a strategic guide to the future of agriculture policy in Europe.

Jill Evans MEP commented,

"I'm glad to see the general tone of the CAP communication reflects the concerns of farmers I have visited across Wales in the past few years, especially in that payments will be focused on the farmers on the ground who produce the food. The communication also proposes to make sure farmers get a fair price for their product.

"Local initiatives are supported, as well as the need to enhance the labelling of local and regional products. Support for small farms is also promised, as well as a ceiling for payments to ensure that large farm businesses do not receive unfairly high payments.

"While of course food production should be maintained as the central role of the CAP, I welcome the Commission's proposal to link environmental considerations to direct payments."

Ms. Evans added:

"But further simplification of the CAP is still needed, as well as more detail on the funding impacts of any changes to pillar 1 and pillar 2. Better provisions are needed to address food security and rural development. I will continue to work with the farming unions in Wales in preparation of the legislative proposals expected in July."

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