When it was first set up the overall aim of the Common Agricultural Policy was to achieve food-sufficiency. However, that laudable aim no longer features in any discussion these days regarding CAP. Most discussions concentrate on the financial aspects of the scheme to the detriment of food self-sufficiency.
Jim Hume MSP recent newsletter to party members in the South of Scotland is an example. In it he refers to CAP payments being probably the biggest income stream for rural Scotland. Rural communities rely on this for farming and forestry but also for schools and business. Where agriculture and rural issues are at the heart of everyday living its very important he argues, that the policies set at EU, UK and Scottish level support and reflect the rural way of life in the South of Scotland.
Agriculture is still one of the mainstay features of the local economy. As we come to the end of the current CAP agreement, Jim argues that future policy must ensure it serves our rural communities well.
Jim’s article then goes on to discuss certain aspects of funding that need to be continued and how the SNP led Scottish Parliament need to engage with the EU and Lib Dem UK farming minister to enable Scotland to get a “fair” deal in the new CAP. The EU has apparently not ruled out “regional” approaches to funding changes which means that devolved administrations in the UK are in prime position to influence its future direction. So, no more discussion about a referendum or independence and getting down to real work on real decisions affecting thousands of people and jobs. Scottish and UK ministers must work together.
However, when do we talk about food self-sufficiency?
Related articles
