Good news for the farming industry as European Parliament votes to maintain budget

Jill Evans MEP today voted in favour of a series of successful compromises on the European Parliament's position on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy. The Parliament's Agriculture Committee voted in favour of maintaining a strong budget and maintaining direct payments to farms.

Jill Evans MEP said after the vote,

"While the ConDem government in Westminster believe that the budget which provides our farmers' livelihoods should be substantially cut, I believe that these essential funds must be maintained. The compromise amendment which carried today also firmly rejects any attempt to renationalise the CAP. The ConDems in London have also been calling for this - a move which would take the decisions away from Wales and put them in the hands of Westminster.

"Former Plaid Cymru Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones has already written to the European Commissioner to point out the difference between the UK and Wales' position. 80% of farmers in Wales are dependent on the direct payment to maintain their livelihoods. I am glad that the Committee disagreed with the UK government, which wanted to reduce these payments with the eventual aim of scrapping them altogether.

"Farmers in Wales have already acknowledged that there must be a change from a historical based payments to an area based payment but this will be difficult. I am glad therefore that my amendment calling for a transition time has been acknowledged in the compromise adopted today.

"Additionally, I welcome today's call for measures to support young farmers as only 6% of European farmers are under 35. Overall, today's result is a good one which I hope will be adopted by the full plenary in July. The Commission is then expected to present the draft law early next year."

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