Farmers from Wales, Norfolk, Northern Ireland and all over Europe met MEPs on Monday and Tuesday to highlight the importance of targeted agri-environment schemes in the newly reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The farmers are concerned that current proposals for the CAP could mean cuts to agri environment schemes and fail to introduce a vital lifeline for ‘High Nature Value systems’ which deliver outstanding benefits for both wildlife and people; including maintaining some of Europe’s most threatened habitats and species, and contributing to soil carbon storage and the protection of water resources. The ‘greening’ proposals laid out in the new CAP, whilst very much needed, cannot replace proven and targeted agri environment schemes that boost insect numbers, improve farmland for breeding birds and provide food for wildlife during the coldest months.
We’re sure that after hearing how passionate these farmers are about our countryside and native wildlife, the MEPs they are meeting will have a better understanding of the importance of funding for farmland conservation measures as well as for High Nature Value farming areas!