It is vitally important that Scotland's needs are recognised in the negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has said.
Date:
Thu, 20 Oct 2011
Source:
Scottish Government
Scottish Government:
Website
It is vitally important that Scotland's needs are recognised in the negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has said.
Speaking ahead of today's EU Agrifish Council meeting in Luxembourg, where the proposals published last week by the EC will be discussed for the first time, Mr Lochhead said he would take Scotland's case to the UK Government and direct to Europe.
Mr Lochhead said: "We have lobbied hard to ensure Scotland's needs are recognised and some of the proposals published last week reflect our asks - but plenty of tough negotiations lie ahead.
"This week's Council meeting will be the first airing for the Commission's proposals and we will be able to hear the first thoughts from other Member States.
"I am in close contact with my fellow ministers in the UK on the CAP - indeed, I have written to the Secretary of State this week giving some early views on the Commission's proposals and I will be meeting her to discuss how we can work together on this important topic.
"There are many areas where we agree with the UK Government and we can work together on these but there are also other aspects where work needs to continue to agree a UK approach which reflects Scotland's wishes.
"Scottish farmers need a fair deal from CAP reform and that includes the correct level of support to help them continue farming in what are often very challenging conditions.
"Without direct support, our farmers and crofters will simply not be able to afford to produce our food in competition with other non-EU countries that do not have to meet our high standards.
"These will be very tough and protracted negotiations and we will not get all we want, I am confident that the more effort we all put in, and the more we work together, the more we will achieve."
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