About BAB
The NFU performs a crucial role in Brussels, advising and lobbying the EU Commission and European MPs on the issues which matter most to farmers.
The NFU's office (British Agriculture Bureau or BAB) in Brussels was set up in 1972 to represent the NFU. The main purpose of the office is to gather information and intelligence and to assist NFU in lobbying the institutions of the European Union since most laws affecting UK farmers are decided in Brussels, not Westminster.
BAB also represents NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, Ulster Farmers Union and the National Pig Association.
Three major institutions play a role in the decision-making processes of the EU:
There are several stages in the agricultural decision-making process. The European Commission is the largest institution. It proposes EU legislation and is responsible for managing many regulations and directives. The Commission drafts policy proposals and consults with governments and outside organisations. It is at this stage that BAB can most effectively influence the Commission. This early stage is crucial to the eventual outcome of how new legislation will affect UK farmers.
The European Parliament (EP), the only directly elected institution of the EU, now has the power to influence proposed legislation on nearly all policy areas that impact on farmers including the CAP, the environment and food safety. BAB works closely with MEPs suggesting amendments, assisting them with parliamentary reports and hearings. Farmers can help too by lobbying their MEPs.
The Council of Ministers, consisting of Ministers from each member state, is the main legislative arm of the EU. Agricultural ministers meet regularly in the Agriculture Council to agree farm policy.
During Council, BAB reports on the outcome of the negotiations. Much of the lobbying of Ministers takes place in national capitals but occasionally BAB will arrange meetings for NFU officeholders to meet with Ministers and Commissioners in the final stages before an agreement is reached.
Throughout the process BAB forms strategic alliances to lobby more effectively, working closely with the EU umbrella organisations of farm interest groups COPA-COGECA.
2011 European work programme
The European Commission have released their “work programme” for 2011 and beyond. The programme sets the stage on what the BAB office will be working on in the future. It includes the future of CAP, the EU budget and climate change. In addition, the Commission will come forward with proposals and communications on a multitude of subjects affecting trade, animal health and welfare, the environment, the food chain and research programmes.
The BAB office has considered the work programme and has summarised the key areas likely to impact on agriculture (pdf on the right of the page). As well as the areas highlighted in the attached brief, we must not forget that the existing initiatives already underway in the EU decision making process will continue. As ever unforeseen circumstances may mean that some of the Commission’s plans may change and we may see additional things come forward in 2011 or delays to the Commission’s time schedule.
Visit Brussels to get an EU insight
Do you want to see what the NFU's Brussels office does for you? Then your NFU regional office may be able to organise a trip for you. A typical Brussels two days programme includes visists to the EU institutions and presentations from a number of EU agricultural specialists on such areas as WTO, livestock, arable, environment issues and the water framework directive.
Contact the team:
British Agriculture Bureau
61 Rue de Trèves, 6th floor
BE- 1040 Bruxelles
Tel: + 32 2 285 05 80
Fax: + 32 2 230 39 28
Email: bab@nfuonline.com
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