Fianna Fáil MEP for the Midlands North-West, Barry Cowen has today (Tuesday, December 17), been appointed to a “key role” in shaping the future of agriculture within the EU over the coming years.
The Renew Europe group, which includes Fianna Fáil, appointed Cowen as the group’s shadow rapporteur for an upcoming report titled ‘The Future of Agriculture and the Post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy’.
Cowen said it is believed the report will be “monitored closely” by the European Commission as it prepares for discussions around the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Political groups designate a shadow rapporteur for each report in the responsible committee to follow progress and negotiate compromise texts with the rapporteur.
Cowen, who is a member of the parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, also committed to publishing his own position paper, outlining his vision for the future of farming and CAP.
The MEP said he hopes to gain the backing of the parliament’s Renew Europe group for this paper and to derive any amendments the group puts forward directly from it.
It is understood that the European People’s Party (EPP), of which Fine Gael is a member, will be appointing the rapporteur, who will steer the legislative proposal through the parliament and will prepare a report on it.
Cowen on future of CAP
Cowen said that a “key focus” of his CAP reform agenda will be the creation of a third, environmental pillar within CAP to balance sustainability and productivity in a way that delivers for farmers and the environment alike.
“The CAP has long been a cornerstone of Irish and European agriculture and we must ensure it returns to its core mission of delivering for farmers, food producers and rural communities.
“I firmly believe that by introducing a third, distinct environmental pillar we can achieve a CAP that balances environmental sustainability with economic viability for our farmers,” he said.
In preparation for the drafting of his position paper, Cowen said he will undertake an “intensive” stakeholder engagement process, meeting with farmers, foresters, agricultural innovators, representative bodies and others to hear their perspectives and ensure their voices are reflected in his proposals.
“I am committed to delivering practical and forward-thinking reforms that will support Ireland’s farmers, while positioning European agriculture to meet future challenges and opportunities head-on,” the MEP said.
“It is an honour to be appointed to such a significant role at this early stage of my term as an MEP. I am delighted to now have a tangible opportunity to make a real impact on the direction of agriculture policy at an EU level,” he said.