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Reform
The European Process
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has undergone many changes since its beginnings in the 1950s, and is about to be reformed again. The policy operates in 7-year cycles and before the current one ends in 2013, decision makers must decide how it will function between 2014-2020.
The reforms currently being negotiated will be significantly more complicated than previous reforms, as the European Parliament now shares decision making power with Member State Governments. Whatever the outcome, the Policy will continue to have a significant impact on our farmland wildlife and the character of our countryside. The key objective for the RSPB is to ensure this impact is positive.
In November 2010, the European Commission, which has the power of policy initiation, published a document outlining its ideas for the CAP after 2013. The actual legislative proposals will be released later in 2011.
The Commission states that its aims for CAP reform are to:
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Address concerns about food security at EU and global level
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Manage natural resources sustainably and help farmers meet the challenges of tackling and adapting to climate change
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Enhance the competitiveness of EU farming in a global context
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Promote employment and diverse economies in rural areas in all parts of Europe
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Distribute CAP funding fairly between Member States and farmers
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Simplify the administrative procedures
The most significant changes proposed by the Commission relate to the direct payments farmers receive under Pillar 1. As a way to improve the contribution of Pillar 1 to the overall objectives of the CAP, the Commission suggests a 'greening' payment for farmers to carry out simple, annual environmental actions.
The Commission has not made any detailed suggestions for changes to Pillar 2, the Rural Development Policy, but says that environment, climate change and environment should be the 'guiding themes that steer the policy'. The text in this section of the communication suggests an increased focus on competitiveness, innovation and risk management in the future Pillar 2.
Our vision for CAP reform
We believe the CAP should reflect the 'public money for public goods' principle. This means rewarding farmers for the services they provide which benefit the whole of society, such as managing flood water, storing carbon and enhancing farmland biodiversity, but for which they do not receive any payment from economic markets.
Agri-environment schemes are critical to delivering this vision, as they allow for specific and targeted commitments that are tailored towards clearly identified problems. Other key priorities are ensuring farming systems which are inherently high in biodiversity, but which are often economically marginalised, receive targeted support. In addition, the CAP has a clear role to drive more environmentally friendly, sustainable land management in conventional farming.
The RSPB welcomes the Commission's attempt to improve environmental benefits from direct payments by proposing the greening payment. Whether this payment delivers environmental benefit, however, depends on good design and strong implementation of the scheme.
One risk is that if some basic agri-environment type measures become part of Pillar 1, there will be calls for less money to go to Pillar 2 – something we will argue strongly against.
The Commission's legislative proposals, once published, must be agreed by the European Parliament and European Council. Once legislation is passed at a European level, the governments of each Member State must implement the new rules within their own national laws.
Working with our Birdlife colleagues across Europe, we will be campaigning for the best outcome from CAP reform for farmers, consumers and wildlife.
Last modified: 01 April 2011