16 October 2017

2 minute read

Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said, "I thank European Parliament, especially MEPs Paulo de Castro and Michel Dantin, for their work in achieving this positive outcome. I also welcome the positive work of the Estonian Presidency in reaching this deal.

"In particular, it is good news that rules will be improved on insurance to compensate farmers for their losses.

The proposed changes to the income stabilisation tool (IST) in the EU Omnibus Regulation will enable aid to be activated on a sector basis when income losses reach 20 per cent instead of 30 per cent which is an improved situation for farmers.

Copa and Cogeca see it as a positive step as it should help to improve uptake of the scheme and better target support.

Copa and Cogeca also welcome the fact that compensation will be increased to 70 per cent from 65 per cent for those who lost more than 20 per cent of their annual production or income.

In addition, it is good news that the deal gives member states the flexibility to cut down on red tape especially when it comes to the implementation of the definition of active farmer.

The move on Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs) should make life simpler for farmers too. The extension of the "milk package" provisions beyond 2020 has also been appauded.

Finally, Copa and Cogeca welcome the fact that all recognised farmers' organisations will be allowed to plan production and negotiate delivery contracts on behalf of their members and at the same time be in line with the EU's competition rules.

This should help to strengthen farmers positioning in the food chain. Collective negotiations have so far been allowed only for milk, olive oil, beef, cereals and arable crops producers.

TheCattleSite News Desk