The European Commission launched its CAP@50 campaign this week celebrating 50 years of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as member states consider proposals for its reform.
EU farm commissioner Dacian Ciolos said at Monday’s campaign launch: "2012 is an important year not only to remember the past 50 years of history, but especially for us to look ahead towards a new reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Back in 1962, Europeans were predominantly worried about having enough food on their plates. Today food security remains important, but we have also new concerns such as climate change and the sustainable use of natural resources. This campaign will help to reflect on this evolution.”
Dubbed a partnership between Europe and farmers, the new CAP will not be in place until 2014. Member states are considering proposals for its reform unveiled in a 700-page document in autumn 2011.
Also being considered in the same timeframe is the 2014-20 EU budget on which reform of CAP will depend. Roger Waite, spokesman for Ciolos said: “Member states are going thru the CAP proposals line by line and we will start to get some movement on the proposals in the second half of 2012. But before we get any serious movement, we will need to know how much the budget is for 2014-20 and heads of state and finance ministers will reach an agreement on that in November or December this year. Then we will see negotiations on CAP reform move into the end game over the following three to four months.”
One of the most important proposals for the fresh produce sector is a move over to more accessible direct payments rather than an historic reference-based system of support for growers of fruit and vegetables.
