Vote in favour of Mayo MEP's proposals for increased CAP budget and mental health supports
MEPs have voted to support Maria Walsh’s proposals to increase the CAP budget in line with inflation and introduce an EU-wide mental health in farming strategy.
MEP 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).
Committee membered passed the report by 29 votes in favour, 9 against and 8 abstentions.
Said MEP Walsh: “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 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. I have made my position very clear through my successful proposals and communication with the Commission, which I hope will be taken into consideration when the final decisions are made.”
MEP Walsh’s proposals called for the following measures to be included in the post-2027 CAP:
A dedicated, separate CAP budget adjusted to inflation;
Support for all types of farming, including part-time, full time, and family farms;
Support for rural development, including an increase in funding for the LEADER programme;
A stronger budget for the crisis reserve fund in response to natural disasters and animal diseases;
A dedicated CAP budget for the prevention and eradication of animal diseases, risk management and on-farm biosecurity investments;
Increased recognition of mental health issues as a consequence of multiple hardships faced by farmers, along with an EU-wide strategy for mental health in farming;
Boosting generational renewal through, among other tools, proper financial instruments and collaborative farming arrangements and partnerships;
Tailored support for women in rural areas, to facilitate their entry to the farming sector.