CAP post 2013: greening, Ecological Focus Areas and permanent grasslands

[Mr lex]

CAP post 2013: greening, Ecological Focus Areas and permanent grasslands

Despite most EU farm ministers wanting to design national ‘greening’ proposals to suit the needs of their own countries, Dacian Ciolas, the EU Farm Chief, warned against such a ‘menu approach’, saying that it would be complex to administer! Heaven forbid that the policy works better but is a bit more complicated for Brussels! Also, the EC is likely to be wary of giving too much power back to Member States!

More sensibly, he suggested that work done under agri-environment schemes and other Rural Development measures or an environmental certification scheme would count towards greening measures. Finally the message seems to have sunk in that people who already do ‘greening’ work should not be penalised! The plan is to agree the greening proposals in June.

A large number of Member States remain vocally opposed to the 7% of farmers’ eligible hectares, excluding areas under permanent grassland, as Ecological Focus Areas as being too high.

The proposed change to the definition of ‘permanent grasslands’ to include traditional extensive grazing areas with heather and shrubs has been welcolmed by the UK.

With thanks to SG Landscope.