Yesterday's key talks on EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform proposals with Commissioner Ciolos were a helpful start, said Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead.
Date:
Tue, 15 Nov 2011
Source:
Scottish Government
Scottish Government:
website
Yesterday's meeting in Brussels between the Commissioner, Scottish and UK Government and other devolved Ministers gave an opportunity for Scotland's priorities and key concerns to be raised directly with Europe.
Discussions ranged across a number of topics including the speed of introduction of direct payments, linking payments to activity and greening, the need to ensure no gap in funding for Scotland Rural Development Programme and funding for new entrants.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Lochhead said:
"I very much welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Commissioner this morning. The talks covered a wide range of topics but in particular I emphasised three key issues of greening, direct payments and the need to ensure smooth implementation with no gap in funding, which are vitally important to maintaining Scotland's position as a food producing nation.
"Due to the nature of our land, farming in Scotland is different to elsewhere in Europe and the only way to get a CAP that meets Scotland's needs is to explain to the Commission what our particular needs are. That's why it is important that Scotland's views are heard alongside the views of the UK and I hope the helpful dialogue started today can continue as we move through what are going to be difficult and protracted negotiations.
"As I've said before we won't get everything we want, but the more we put in the more we will get out. And I will continue to do all I can to ensure a fair deal for Scotland's farmers."
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