O’Neill Raises CAP Reform with Commissioner Ciolos
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has met with Commissioner Ciolos to discuss CAP reform.
Speaking after the meeting in Wales also attended by Defra Minister Caroline Spelman MP and the other devolved ministers, Minister O’Neill said: “This was another excellent opportunity to discuss our concerns and press for changes in the Commission’s reform proposals.
“In particular, I was able to highlight to Commissioner Ciolos the need for a smooth and orderly transition towards a flat rate support regime. I also pressed for simplification, particularly in respect of the proposed greening requirements, and pointed out the potential unintended consequences that could result from the proposals as they currently stand. In addition, I took the opportunity to point out our current unfair allocation of EU rural development monies and urged the Commissioner to come forward with proposals for a more objective approach to the distribution of this funding.”
The Minister concluded: “This was a very constructive meeting and builds on on-going engagement my Department and I have with our counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as with senior Commission officials. I intend to continue this and to promote our views on shaping the CAP framework using whatever avenues are available to me.”
