Environment and Agriculture Secretary, Caroline Spelman, appeared before the EFRA select committee to discuss reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy. The CAP accounts for 43% of the total EU expenditure and proposals for its reform are being debated over the forthcoming months.
In her opening comments, Ms Spelman outlined her view that the current proposals for reform with regard to the greening of the policy, are "not ambitious enough" and that "a one-size-fits-all approach provides sub-optimal results". She expressed her desire for member states to be given more flexibility over the environmental policies they implement, talking of a possible "menu of option", but she acknowledged the difficulties of guaranteeing "equivalency".
George Eustice MP took the opportunity to seek reassurances that the CAP's environmental policies would be meaningful whilst preserving our food security. Many observers have pointed out that, although well-intended, the current proposals could lead to quite adverse unforseen consequences. One example amongst many of this are proposals for mandatory crop diversification but this does not take into account land use such as established orchards or vineyards. Responding to George's questions, the Secretary of State recognised that the Commission appear not to have considered many of these issues, and pledged to raise these important matters in forthcoming debates: "There must be a differentiation between different types of horticulture and agriculture, between crops grown within natural arable diversification and those in established ground."
On food security, Ms Spelman said "I do believe that the Commission were right to say that food security and climate change are the greatest challenges that agriculture faces, and of course they are inter-related. Scientific evidence suggests you can preserve environment and wildlife whilst still producing food profitably and sustainably. We are in a strong position in this respect in the UK, and can be a real wold-leader in this area".