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EU farm 'health check' proposals
20/05/2008
Speaking today from Brussels after the European Commission published its proposals for the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said:
"Our farmers and crofters have been keenly anticipating Europe's proposals for this year's Health Check of the CAP. While this is not a wholesale review the Health Check does flag up the general direction of travel for the future.
"It is absolutely vital therefore that Scotland's voice is heard and that the final decisions reflect our national interests so as to safeguard the thousands of livelihoods which the farming industry supports.
"We know that there will be some tough decisions ahead but Scotland can take some degree of comfort from the broad thrust of the proposals.
"The debate in Scotland on the future of CAP starts now. We will shortly be launching a consultation on these proposals and I want the industry to fully engage to ensure Scotland's farming interests are looked after.
"Our farmers and crofters play a crucial role in producing our food and protecting our environment. Despite the UK's unhelpful calls for an end to direct support, thankfully Europe's thinking seems to be more in line with Scotland's.
"We will continue to do all we can to ensure that the special position of Scottish farming is understood across the whole of Europe and will stress again and again in our meetings with the UK Government the importance of giving full weight to the needs of Scotland in European negotiations."