THE Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a twelve-week consultation on the European Commission's proposals for the "Health Check" of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The Health Check is a scheduled review of the major CAP reforms of 2003, which could have potentially significant implications for farmers across the EU, for the environment and for cutting prices for consumers As well as reviewing the 2003 reforms, the Health Check is intended to prepare the way for longer-term reform of the CAP following the EU budget review in 2009/10.
The UK will be fully engaged in the EU negotiations on the Health Check, with agreement expected to be reached before the end of the year.
Defra's consultation seeks comments on the proposed improvements to the Single Payment Scheme, improving market orientation, and responding to new environmental challenges. Consultation responses will inform the UK's approach to the negotiations. A summary of responses, including next steps, will be published after the consultation.
The consultation period began on 9 June, and will last for 12 weeks. It closes on 1 September.
To participate in the consultation, go to http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/cap-healthcheck/Dairy enthusiast
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