Cap
CAP-2013
The future Common Agricultural Policy will have to be renegotiated by 2013. A conference was held on 19 and 20 July 2010 by the Commission together with agricultural stakeholders to listen to their views on CAP reform. The Commission wants to maintain the two pillars: direct aid and rural development support – however the first pillar has to become a tool for promoting a sustainable agriculture in Europe. The European Parliament provided some input into the debate by adopting in early July a report on the CAP reform drafted by MEP George Lyon (UK-ALDE). In terms of timing, the Commission is intending to issue a communication on the future CAP options by November 2010, followed by a formal public consultation. Legislative proposals should be put forward by June 2011 with adoption in co-decision with the European Parliament. The CAP is due to be reformed by 2013.
EFBA Position:
EFBA strongly supports the revision of the CAP to make it more sustainable in the future. Although the fur-farming sector is not impacted by the first pillar, the importance of reinforcing the second pillar is crucial. Rural development support to the Member-State level is of prime importance, especially in the area of animal-welfare improvements and related investments.