Aragón argued at the meeting that the next CAP should retain its own sufficient and protected funding, at least equivalent to that of the current period, and remain outside the single fund. “The CAP must retain its own funding and remain outside the single fund. If money earmarked for agriculture is mixed with other policies, it will no longer be protected and will depend on each government’s priorities,” the minister said.
EXCLUSIVELY EUROPEAN FUNDING
Aragón also warned that it would not accept states having to assume part of what Europe has funded up to now, as that approach would weaken one of the main support instruments for farmers and livestock breeders.
The minister argued that the debate over the new CAP cannot be limited to allocating funds without first knowing the actual financial framework. “The first thing the agricultural sector needs to know is what budget it will have. The sector cannot be asked to plan its future while uncertainty over funding continues,” she said.
ARAGÓN CALLS FOR A ROLE IN DESIGNING THE NEW CAP
During the advisory council meeting, Aragón also called for the autonomous communities to participate from the outset in drawing up the new model. The Department believes that the future CAP must adapt to the productive, territorial and climatic realities of each region. “Dry farming in Los Monegros and irrigated farming in the Ebro Valley do not produce the same things or face the same costs, so they cannot be treated in the same way,” she said.
In this regard, the minister insisted that aid must reach those who work and produce, and must take into account the actual activity of extensive livestock farming, depopulation and the jobs maintained by designations of origin and the agri-food industry in rural towns.
The Department stressed that a CAP designed without regard to the territory risks becoming yet another burden for the sector. For this reason, Aragón is calling for an agricultural policy that supports producers, cuts red tape and takes into account the differences between territories, crops, farming models and production costs.
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUNG FARMERS
Aragón also argued that the next CAP should include an ambitious package to encourage young people to enter the sector. The minister said that reserving between 7% and 10% of funds for this purpose could be positive, but warned that “a premium is of no use if young people cannot access land or if taking over a farm is unaffordable.”
“Generational renewal cannot be achieved through an initial grant alone. It must be accompanied by access to land, a tax system that facilitates transfers, investment, training and support during the first few years,” Simón said.
