Minister McConalogue welcomes Commission’s proposals for simplification of the Common Agriculture Policy

Speaking at the Agrifish Council today in Brussels, Minister McConalogue welcomed the approach to easing the administrative burden for farmers:

"I welcome the fact that the Commission and Member States are responding to the need for a more flexible and simpler CAP. For example, the proposal to reduce the burden on smaller farms in terms of inspections and potential penalties looks to recognise the practicalities of farming at a small scale. Farmers need stability and space to plan their futures and I will continue to work with Member States to ensure that we have a strong and effective CAP that continues to support sustainable food production in the European Union."

Highlighting the need to support farmers' position in the value chain the Minister welcomed the Commission's proposals to increase the requirement for gathering market data and to assess the implementation of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive to date.

"I am pleased to see the Commission address the position of farmers in the value chain. In Ireland I have established a fully independent agrifood regulator, An Rialálaí Agraibhia, to bring a new and enhanced focus to the regulation of unfair trading practices. I have also ensured that the regulator has an important function in analysis and reporting on price and market data. I am confident that these measures can enhance the position of farmers and improve transparency in the supply chain." Minister McConalogue concluded.

ENDS