04/03/2018

The Regional Minister for Water, Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Francisco Jódar, explained that the working group's objective is to "learn firsthand the concerns of all the stakeholders involved in the design of the post-2020 CAP in the Region of Murcia ."

Since the publication of the "Communication from the Commission on the Future of Food and Agriculture" last November, Francisco Jódar has emphasized the need for a real and effective simplification of the new CAP in terms of regulations and resources, as well as a reduction in bureaucratic burdens, since the complexity of processing aid is in no way a guarantee of efficiency and transparency in management. Regarding generational change, he added that "it is necessary to highlight the importance of incorporating young people and women as key players in the modernization of the sector and the fight against depopulation."

During the meeting, the Minister argued that the main objectives of the new CAP must be to guarantee the role of farmers in the value chain , ensuring fair prices; allocating aid to producers who bear the risks of farming (professional farmers); fostering innovation and putting research advances into practice, aimed at improving results, primarily with a view to protecting and maintaining rural areas; as well as conserving the soil and increasing biodiversity, among other things.

The "Future of the CAP Post-2020 Region of Murcia" working group believes that the CAP guarantees farmers' incomes, sets the highest food quality standards, supports rural areas, and helps protect the environment and combat climate change. In the opinion of those present, it is essential for supporting food exports, the single market, and regional cohesion.