DUP MEP Diane Dodds has welcomed Scottish MEP George Lyon to Northern Ireland to meet a series of politicians, industry representatives and farmers to discuss the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Mr Lyon will author a key European Parliament report on the CAP, which plays a pivotal role in the sustainability of farming in Northern Ireland. Commenting, Diane Dodds said:
"To have George in Northern Ireland, meeting a broad representation of the agriculture sector, has given our local industry an opportunity to input into a key European Parliament report that will form a negotiating position on the reform of the CAP. In his role as author of this report, George has already visited France and Germany to ascertain their position on CAP reform. To have him here in Northern Ireland is a unique opportunity, for a relatively small area, to help mould this report.
The Common Agricultural Policy is key to the sustainability of our agriculture sector in Northern Ireland. Many farmers are heavily reliant on their Single Farm Payment to maintain their livelihood. As these payments come from the CAP budget, the message being delivered to George, as he sets about authoring this report, is that the CAP budget ought to be protected and that direct payments to farmers must remain.
The input from the local industry and the interest shown has been very encouraging and George is leaving in no doubt that Northern Ireland desires a strong CAP that supports our agriculture industry. This has been a worthwhile visit, but represents only the beginning of the fight to maintain the CAP at current levels. As we look to the reform post 2013, the fight will continue in the European Parliament, and with the Commission. It is a fight that must be won, and in which we must continue to make sure the needs of Northern Ireland are known and met."
