Economic recession forms the backdrop to the reforms which are expected to bring CAP budget cuts resulting in direct payment reductions.

The COPA union has clearly voiced its strong opposition to cuts and fund transfer between Pillar one and Pillar two on food security, sustainability and safety grounds.

“We have serious concerns that the EU will be the only state that will be cutting back on its agricultural potential at a time when there are major worries about food security,” said Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen.

“World food demand is expected to rise by 70 per cent by 2050 and market volatility is on the increase. That is why the EU Commission proposals to reduce the amount of land in production by as much as 7 per cent, with no clear environmental benefit, makes no sense and must be revised in the vote by Parliament next week”.

Also a priority for COPA is the potential for member states to distribute varying levels of payments . COPA has insisted the CAP should be fair.

But COPA has welcomed the strengthening of producer market place positions through the creation of farmer organisations and cooperatives allowing for better returns to be achieved.

This, according to COPA, will assist food producers in coping with market volatility.

Mr Pesonen stated that COPA is please that some of their requests have been ‘taken on board’ and are expecting ‘green’ farming to take priority at the CAP plenary sessions.