Eco-regulations stumbling block in the new CAP

Negotiations on the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have stalled today (Friday 28 May). "Despite progress in several areas, some crucial points remain open. It has therefore been decided to postpone the negotiations until the next meeting of agriculture and fisheries ministers," the Council of Ministers said.

The big point of contention at the moment seems to be the new eco-regulations and other climate and environmental regulations. The Council of Ministers and the parliament cannot agree on which part of the budget should be made available for the sustainability schemes.

Reform not a revolution
The Council accuses the parliament of an almost activist attitude. "A reform must be practical," said Julia Klöckner, Germany's agriculture minister, in the German parliament. "It is not about a revolution, but about a reform that everyone should be able to participate in and in which we secure our food supply. Implementing the highest possible standards cannot be the goal."

For its part, Parliament believes that the Council is showing too little ambition. "We are striving for a greener, fairer and future-oriented CAP. The Council seems surprised that we are not signing the cross under their proposal," said Norbert Lins, chairman of the parliament's agricultural committee, at a press conference. MEP Eric Andrieu adds that the Green Deal adopted by a majority is the starting point for parliament in the reform of the CAP.

Optimism
Despite the breakdown in negotiations today, the Council, Parliament and the Commission are optimistic. For example, Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski concludes that the negotiators were close to an agreement. Klöckner is also not pessimistic about the new round of negotiations in June. Parliament says it is ready to resume negotiations, but they expect more flexibility from the council.

Jurphaas Lugtenburg

He is a market specialist in grains and other agricultural commodities at DCA Market Intelligence. He also focuses on onions, potatoes, and roughage. Jurphaas also runs an arable farm in Voorne-Putten (South Holland).

j.lugtenburg @boerenbusiness. Nl

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