Agriculture committee passes MEP Walsh’s attempt to shape the next CAP

MEPs have voted to increase the CAP budget in line with inflation and introduce an EU-wide mental health in farming strategy.

MEP Maria Walsh is a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee and submitted amendments to the Committee’s report on The Future of Agriculture and the Post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The report was voted on by Members of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee on Monday, July 7 and passed by 29 votes in favour, nine against and eight abstentions.

MEP Maria Walsh said: “Receiving the support of my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee indicates the level of determination within the Parliament to secure a dedicated CAP budget which is adjusted to inflation. The introduction of any other funding model would be a kick in the teeth to our farmers who put food on our table every day.

“MEPs also supported my proposals for an increase in the crisis reserve fund and a new budget for the prevention and eradication of animal diseases. Both of these measures will be key to tackling the growing epidemic of bovine TB on Irish farms.

However the Fine Gael politician notes that the fate of the next CAP resides largely with the Commission.

“The battle for the next CAP budget is not within the Parliament - it lies in the halls of power within the Berlaymont building. Earlier this summer, I wrote to President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen to highlight my concerns surrounding the future of the CAP within the upcoming EU budget. I stressed the need to maintain the current two pillar structure - to do otherwise would increase administrative burdens, undermine coherence and risk fragmenting the Single Market.

“After months of speculation, MEPs and farmers alike will finally receive clarity on the future of the CAP in the coming weeks.”