Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Friday 2nd November 2012 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson)]

The Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 22 to 24 October in Luxembourg was attended by the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon), who is responsible for natural environment, water and rural affairs.

On fisheries, the Council agreed a partial general approach on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. The UK worked successfully to secure an outcome in line with UK priorities for common fisheries policy (CAP) reform. This will focus funding on measures to increase the sustainability of fishing, and limit or remove more traditional fleet subsidy payments. Baltic sea fishing opportunities for 2013 were agreed, following detailed preparation in the BALTFISH group of concerned member states. Ministers also held an initial exchange of views on forthcoming EU-Norway fisheries consultations and on the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna annual meeting.

On agriculture business, the Council discussed the Commission’s proposal under CAP reform that member states should all move towards flat rate per hectare direct payments at a national or regional level (internal convergence); an issue which was last debated in April 2012. This is a major political issue for many member states, and also has direct relevance to those parts of the UK which do not yet have a per hectare payment system. The Commission (Commissioner Ciolos) argued that for CAP reform to be credible, direct payments had to move away from historic allocations. The Commission would consider alternative models as long as they delivered significant convergence during the next financing period. All member states accepted the need for some internal convergence of payments, with an emphasis on national flexibility over the pace and detailed steps towards convergence. The presidency noted the discussion and variety of views without giving an indication of next steps.

The presidency sought views on whether the proposed young farmer’s scheme in pillar one of the CAP should be voluntary or mandatory. The Council debate was split between those who wanted to leave it to member states to decide, and those who wanted, or could accept, a mandatory scheme in pillar one. The UK and like-minded member states argued for a flexible approach.

The presidency sought views on whether recognition of agricultural producer organisations should be mandatory for member states. France, Spain, Hungary and Portugal were in favour of mandatory recognition of extending producer organisations’ rights to all agricultural sectors. In advance of the Council, the UK, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Sweden and the Czech Republic tabled a joint paper calling for CAP tools to promote greater market orientation, while maintaining a safety net.

The Commission presented its proposal on transparency of data on CAP beneficiaries, under which names and payment details would be made publically available, and which is intended to reintroduce greater transparency following a 2010 European Court of Justice ruling.