CAP deal agreed

Orkney’s farmers are beginning to learn the full implications of a new provisional Common Agricultural Policy, which was agreed in Brussels yesterday, after “trilogue” talks between the European Parliament, Council and Commission proved successful.

The new deal comes following months of negotiation, just days before the June 30 deadline, when a Lithuanian contingency is due to take over from the current Irish presidency.

The new policy sees several changes which are likely to have a significant effect on farmers in the county.

However, the deal does give much greater flexibility to individual member states, and the full effects are not likely to be known  until further action is taken by the Scottish Government.

Commenting, Orkney MSP, Liam McArthur said: “The Scottish Government must now come forward with details about how these reform proposals will impact on farming, crofting and land management in island areas, such as Orkney. There has been no lack of input from those in Orkney about what needs to happen to sustain a vibrant agriculture sector in the islands.

“Under the new agreement, there is greater flexibility for Scotland’s agriculture minister to determine the distribution of the farming and rural support budgets across Scotland than before.  But clarity on how this flexibility will be used is needed soon, so that all those affected can plan for their future over the years ahead. That is why it is so important that the Minister decides and sets out his priorities at the earliest opportunity.”