MEPs demand CAP simplification (South Central Region Liberal Democrats)

South Central Region Liberal Democrats <info@southcentrallibdems.org.uk>

MEPs demand CAP simplification

May 20, 2010 11:48 AM
Originally published by Catherine Bearder MEP

Catherine Bearder MEP says simplifying the CAP would help South East farmers

Catherine Bearder, Euro-MP for South East England, today called for the European Commission and national governments to cut bureaucracy and make farmers' lives easier.

The European Commission is currently reviewing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2013. A report passed by MEPs in Strasbourg called for the CAP to become "simpler, more transparent and more equitable". The Resolution passed in Strasbourg yesterday also called for an "amnesty" for farmers who are unable to meet sheep tagging requirements.

Catherine said, "In South East England farming accounts for 62% of our land area."

"Being a farmer's daughter myself, I know how proud our farming tradition is."

"I'm delighted the EU is finally on course to reducing the administrative burden on farmers by 25%."

"The CAP is vital to promoting rural development and protecting the environment. However, we must make sure we get it right, and that it commands public confidence."

"I am pleased progress has been made in cutting bureaucracy in the CAP in recent years, but today MEPs have acknowledged that more must be done."

"We must not let any farmers be sent to sleep- or sent out of business- by pointless requirements like a mandatory annual sheep count. That is why Lib Dems supported this resolution and are committed to building a CAP that works for us, and not the other way around."