The President of NFU Scotland Jim McLaren and the President of the Irish Farmers Association John Bryan have pledged to work together to secure a properly funded Common Agricultural Policy that continues to support active farmers post-2013.

The two Presidents held a bi-lateral meeting during a visit by the NFU Scotland Board to the Irish Farm Centre today (Fri) and discussed the review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The President of NFU Scotland Jim McLaren said, “We are fully behind the campaign to secure a fully funded CAP that will deliver a meaningful Single Farm Payment to active farmers after its forthcoming review.  Both organisations will work closely in the coming months as the debate steps up and will co-operate at European level to build a stronger case for the CAP.”

Mr McLaren continued, “the CAP has a proven track record in delivering a host of benefits to European consumers not least the secure provision of safe, affordable food produced to the highest environmental and animal health standards.  That is something that EU consumers value and is something that must be preserved when CAP reform discussions are concluded.”

John Bryan said, “both IFA and NFU Scotland recognise the importance of the CAP and safeguarding the Single Farm Payment for producers in Ireland and Scotland. Jim McLaren and I are committed to mounting a strong, joint campaign to highlight the value of the CAP and the significant benefits across a number of key areas for producers, consumers, the rural economy, the environment and food security.” 

He said, “the Single Farm Payment post-2013 must be directed to supporting active farmers and calculated on the historical basis as currently applies. Any approach that will result in a reduction in the Single Farm Payment budget is seriously damaging to Irish and Scottish agriculture.”

The two Presidents agreed to remain in contact during the review process.

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006