NFUS Back in Brussels on CAP Reform Business

NFU Scotland’s top team is back in Brussels this week as discussions on reform of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) continue to gather momentum.

The official text from the European Commission is expected on Wednesday, October 12 but a succession of leaks over the summer means that much of the Commission’s thinking on the subject has already been put into the public domain.

In recent weeks, NFU Scotland has hosted a leading Commission official on a farm tour of Scotland to discuss the importance of the CAP deal to Scottish farmers and crofters.

This week will also see the Union’s president, Nigel Miller and chief executive, Scott Walker, undertake a number of meetings with officials, MEPs and fellow farming unions in Brussels today (Thursday, September 22) and Friday (September 23).

Ahead of the Brussels trip, Scott Walker said: "The CAP reform juggernaut has started to move in Brussels, with a succession of leaks and briefings setting the scene ahead of the final proposal from the European Commission, which is expected on October 12.

"The huge level of interest in the reform proposals simply underlines how important it is that we secure the right deal for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.

"Through the Pack Report, the CAP stakeholder groups and numerous meetings and consultations at home and in Europe, Scotland has shown tremendous diligence in mapping out its requirements from the reform package and we are well placed to feed into the debate – whether at a Scottish, Westminster or European level.

"Securing adequate support levels is crucial. The budget proposals were made public in June indicating a flat line CAP spend from 2013 onwards.

"Taking inflation into account, there will less money available as we move forward into the 2013-2020 era but even that level of funding, if agreed, does give a degree of confidence for the future."

Read the NFUS Scotland press release.

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