The Liberal and Democrat Group (ALDE) in the European Parliament today made a firm political statement in favour of a market-orientated and sustainable agriculture in Europe by voting against the Dess report on reforming the Common Agricultural policy (CAP) after 2013.

ALDE MEP George Lyon (UK, Liberal Democrats), who last year opened the debate on how to reform the CAP after 2013 with an own initiative report, said:

"The Dess report started off as a very timid and reform-free document defending the status quo.

"As a result of many negotiations, it has moved some way towards making real reforms to the CAP.

"But it still doesn't go far enough in the direction of a market-oriented policy that focuses on resources and energy efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions."

ALDE has published a position paper on the future of the CAP after 2013 based on the principles of sustainability and competitiveness. It stresses in particular the need to move to a greening of direct payments in order to give an incentive to farmers to deliver a more sustainable model of farming rather than to provide purely an income subsidy.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

The ALDE position paper on the future of the CAP after 2013 can be found on the ALDE website:
http://www.alde.eu/key-priorities/green-economy-climate-change/agriculture/

The original report by George Lyon, approved by Parliament last year, is attached.