During the October Plenary Session the CoR members approved Cllr Tony Buchanan (Councillor from East Renfrewshire Council in Scotland) opinion on CAP simplification. A simpler more flexible Common Agricultural Policy will reduce the impact of the volatility of the market and revitalise rural economies. In his opinion he welcomes EU plans to reduce the administrative burden of the CAP which it agrees could boost the sector and help redress rural-urban inequality.
Cllr Tony Buchanan argues that the future of EU rural development policy must be organised on a regional basis and be based on the objectives of fairness and territorial cohesion. "What is fundamentally important", Cllr Buchanan highlighted, "is a simpler CAP which will more effectively allow sustainable job creation in rural areas and facilitate and support more young farmers who are the future of the industry." He added that a long-term strategy to protect the agricultural industry should also give significantly greater support to ensure services and to halt the unacceptable depopulation of rural communities.
During the debate with the CoR members on the main challenges facing European agriculture today, EU Commissioner Hogan outlined the CAP plans arguing that it would save time and reduce costs for farmers, businesses and public authorities. "I want to make the CAP simpler for our hard-working farmers. And I believe we must take every possible step to allow farmers achieve their full business and job-creating potential," said Commissioner Hogan in his speech to the Plenary.
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