"Our farmers are facing a very difficult financial challenge all over Europe. We need solutions that are revolutionary compared to what is now included in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Regionalisation of the CAP together with regional strategies funded by different sources are needed." Piotr Całbecki made these remarks when presenting the opinion on 'The Future of the Common Agricultural Policy' for which he served as co-rapporteur which took place during the CoR Nat Commission meeting.
Present for the debate was Janusz Wojciechowski, EU Commissioner for Agriculture. Całbecki stressed the need to protect agricultural markets. "We want to support Ukraine but without annihilating European agriculture. Farmers need short-term perspective and immediate solutions, and later discuss the post-2027 CAP."
Całbecki who serves as President of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region added that Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) have a great interest in agriculture. He said that LRAs have worked with farmers to lay the new foundations of the future CAP." We are the closest level of authority to farmers, hence my appeal is for the European Commission and the European Parliament to take this into account in their working programme." "Farmers are very diverse in Europe and should participate in preparing the new CAP".
Radim Srsen, Mayor of Dolní Studénky emphasized the need to improve the overall quality of life in rural areas. "These areas need to be transformed in many different ways and through a long-term vision, and for that, money and political will are required. With a strong future CAP this can be possible especially as these small regions of Europe are predominantly agricultural"
Joke Schauvliege, Vice-President of the Flemish Parliament stated that food production is not being given the importance it deserves. "The three pillars must be in balance: people, planet, and benefits. It is important to ensure a level playing field for everyone, taking into account the differences between regions. The focus is too much on bureaucracy and not enough on agricultural outcomes. A sustainable CAP focused on our European production is needed."
Jesus Gamallo Aller, Director-General for External Relations and Relations with the European Union, Region of Galicia commended the courageous opinion that effectively addresses the issues raised in this sector. He said "Agriculture is an extremely important economic sector in the region of Galicia. We have to avoid sale losses and keep in mind the cost of production; protect farmers by avoiding unfair competition from producers in third countries through trade agreements as well as ensure flexibility and reduction of excessive administrative burdens."
Ellen Nauta van Morsel, Mayor of the Municipality of Hof van Twente said that the war shows that the CAP after 2027 needs to focus on sustainability and food security. She added "We must pay attention to large scale competition and protect our farmers."
Mariëtte van Leeuwen, Regional Minister of the Province Zuid-Holland highlighted that agriculture is very important, but so is rural development in general. "It is also crucial to work with young farmers because they are the future."
Jose Enric Millo Rocher, Secretary General for External Action, European Union and Cooperation, Government of Andalusia explained that more than 50% of his territory is dedicated to agricultural production. He said "It extremely important that the future of the CAP to be more tailored to the regional needs. He emphasized the three fundamental axes: 1) support for rural areas not solely through CAP but involving other EU policies and a cross-cutting approach and by increasing the budget; 2) adapting to climate change and modernizing irrigation systems to make them more efficient; 3) promoting competitiveness, greater control over imports, and to curb bureaucracy while reducing production costs.
Markku Markkula, President of Helsinki Region said that the CAP has an important role in sustainable development, in tackling climate change and accelerating the efforts towards zero pollution. He spoke on the importance on EU missions including the EU Mission on Soil, the EU Mission on Waters and Oceans, and naturally also the EU Mission on Climate Adaptation. "Emphasizing the work of the Missions should have a higher profile in the CAP policy.”