In response to pressure from the UK, the Agriculture Council has provided reassurance that each of the four UK countries can continue to implement CAP regionally.
Paterson said: “A one size fits all approach to CAP just doesn’t work. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales must be allowed the freedom to deliver outcomes tailored to their own circumstances.
“Working with all the Devolved Administrations and ensuring we spoke with one voice as part of these negotiations has been essential. I am delighted that we have successfully secured key changes to address concerns for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales on issues such as internal convergence and Areas of Natural Constraint. We will continue to represent the interests of the whole of the UK throughout discussions with European Parliament.”
The council agreed to the environment secretary’s appeal for the UK to have freedom to design its own greening measures that will benefit the environment and UK farming.
At the start of the negotiations Member States were required to offer the European Commission’s greening measures in parallel with their own. Paterson secured an important concession so that England can avoid the costs and confusion of parallel schemes by greening direct payments entirely through its own national scheme.
The majority of Member States were content to allow farmers to be paid twice under two different budgets for delivering the same environmental benefit. Paterson made clear that he shares the European Parliament’s strong opposition to this policy.
Source: Defra
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