CAP needs to be about landscape and biodiversity not just food security, says the CLA

The CLA today (Tuesday, 1 December) said the Rural Investment Support for Europe (RISE) Foundation Task Force's new report laid the foundations for the future of environmentally friendly farming in Europe.

The Task Force was assembled by Franz Fischler's philanthropic RISE Foundation and is directed by the CLA's Director of Policy Professor Allan Buckwell.

Herr Fischler said: "The provision of European Public Goods, including food security, by Europe's land managers should, and I believe will, be a central role of the post-2013 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)."

CLA President William Worsley said: "The report demonstrates that to deliver the environmental standards we demand in Europe we will have to devote considerably more resources than now. It examines how this might be done, concluding that much will have to be delivered through the CAP although there are opportunities to deliver some of these services, such as landscape and biodiversity, by creating environmental markets.

"The report has brought together experts from across Europe to analyse what these public environmental services are and how they can be provided by farmers and foresters."

CLA MEDIA CONTACTS:

For further information and interviews:

Phillippa Coates, Press Officer, 020 7460 7934, phillippa.coates@cla.org.uk

Oliver Wilson, Director of Communications, 020 7460 7936 or 07702 928828, ollie.wilson@cla.org.uk,

Out of hours: 020 7201 9511.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The RISE Foundation (Rural Investment Support for Europe) is an independent foundation devoted to the promotion of sustainable agriculture and a living countryside.  It was launched in 2006 by ex Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Franz Fischler, and commenced operations in 2007.  For further information please visit: www.risefoundation.eu

2. Food and Environmental Security: The CLA's argument is that the world, and the EU, in coming decades face a food and environmental challenge, these challenges are interrelated. Food production relies on the environment is heavily impacted by the way food, and other fruits of the land, are produced. Both these challenges are intensified by climate change. Food, agriculture and the environment, and policies to deal with them, are all matters which, correctly, are EU competences because of transboundary effects. Therefore it makes sense to adapt and integrate current EU policies to meet these new challenges.

Emeritus Professor Allan Buckwell – Policy Director

Has overall responsibility for the co-ordination and delivery of all policy affecting land use. Ensures that the CLA promotes policies that are distinctive and benefit members. Is responsible for strategic thinking on major land use issues and promoting CLA profile across relevant UK and EU institutions. He chairs the European Landowners Organisation (ELO) Policy Group and co-ordinates CLA relations with ELO.

Phone: 020 7235 0511
FAX: 020 7235 4696
Email allan.buckwell@cla.org.uk