Simplification, commonality, improved competitiveness and increased market focus are principles that should be applied when reforming the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), but the European Commission’s current draft proposal fails to address any of those tests NFU’s CAP expert Gail Soutar told 75 North West members.
Gail, who spoke at the Barclays Bank sponsored meeting held at the NFU Regional Office in Skelmersdale on Thursday 27 October, said: “This is a complex package of proposals but you must remember that the proposals are subject to change. We need you as farmers to influence your MEPs and get them out onto farm in order to get these reforms back on track. Your NFU President Peter Kendall does not want Defra ministers to make decisions unchecked that will disadvantage English farmers again.”
Being very much in the infant stages, the proposals are at this stage vague to say the least. This coupled with the complexity of what’s being put on the table meant there were more than a few furrowed brows in the audience.
However, the impact of ‘greening’ measures at farm level had everyone animated, especially the suggestion that they’ll have to grow three different crops on their land if they’re to receive Single Farm Payment. Many in the room could not believe what they were hearing and branded the proposal as mystifying.
The proposal is part of the Commission’s desire to see 30% of direct support payments being conditional on farmers following mandatory actions deemed to be beneficial to the environment and for climate change. Crop diversification would mean that where the arable land of the farmer covers more than three hectares and is not entirely used for grass production, cultivation on the arable land shall consist of at least three different crops. None of those three crops shall cover less than 5% of the arable land and the main one shall not exceed 70% of the arable land.
Gasps of disbelief could be heard from the audience as Gail explained this, but there was a distinct air of shock when she went on to say that the Commission would define what constitutes an eligible crop at a later date.
“The definition of a crop is a pretty fundamental piece of information that the Commission is not communicating, it is sheer lunacy,” said Gail.
NFU member James Lamb of Conder Green Farm in Lancaster said: “What on Earth is the point in growing something you may not have a market for? It’s totally self-defeating.”
Andrew Sephton of New Berry House Farm in Rufford added: “Our business is mainly based around growing corn and potatoes.
"We also rent off a bit of land that is used to grow carrots. The three crops rule would be really awkward for us.”
After the meeting, Barry Hurst of Bullens Farm in Bickerstaff said: “I’ve spent five years building up trade for small bale haylage, a lot of which I export.
"Under these proposals I’d have to take off 7% for compulsory set aside and then I could only use a maximum of 70% for my haylage.
"It would have a knock on effect to my grass production and I’d probably lose my export market. You can only sell what you have to sell.”
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