EDA comment on “The CAP” Conference

With today’s Commission’s Conference “The CAP: Have your say”, the European Dairy Association welcomes the openness of the Commission and the commitment of EU Commissioner Phil Hogan to have a broad discussion on the future of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).

As discussions continue on the Omnibus package at European Commission, Parliament and Council levels, EDA welcomes the different initiatives that aim to simplify the CAP and the extensive debate on the future of this policy.

“The public consultation on the simplification and the modernisation of the CAP by the EU Commission was essential for the process and to gather new ideas that will simplify the CAP”, says Alexander Anton, EDA Secretary General. “This conference is a further step towards a simplified CAP that will support the Commission’s strategy on jobs, growth and innovation, especially in rural Europe.”

The CAP is an essential element of the agriculture sector and of great importance for the dairy sector. The latest reform has only been implemented and there are already calls for a complete rework of the CAP. The introduction of new mechanisms deserves an in-depth discussion.

“We have always been a strong advocate for policy stability and coherence, which is the focus of this transparent process launched by the Commission”, adds Alexander Anton. “Our recommendations for the future CAP are designed to address the needs of all three pillars of sustainability; the economic, social and environmental. We are seeking evolution in the current CAP which would be an improvement providing clarity, predictability and stability.”

In addition, by seeking to ensure that the EU dairy sector can maintain and improve its competitiveness and realise opportunities for growth, EDA’s recommendations also address the needs of food security and the overall objectives of the EU Commission: jobs, growth and competitiveness.

“Only a well-funded CAP can achieve these objectives”, concludes Alexander Anton. “The discussions on the multi-annual financial framework will be a key part of these discussions on the CAP.”