Fairness the key in CAP reform - Lyon

4.28.39pm GMT Thu 4th Feb 2010

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, led a EU delegation in Dublin today to meet with the Irish Minister of Agriculture, Brendan Smyth TD, farmers and industry bodies including the Irish Farmers Association to discuss the future shape of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Mr Lyon will draft a report for the Agriculture Committee of the European Parliament setting out their priorities for the upcoming reform of the CAP.

Commenting Mr Lyon said:

"The key message from these meetings has been the need for a strong CAP. Ireland receives €1.8 billion each year in agricultural assistance and there is a strong desire to see that continue. The threat of substantial cuts is as serious in Ireland as it is in Scotland and could result in job losses and land abandonment.

"The importance of ancillary jobs, which amount to roughly 20% of the Irish economy, was made crystal clear. Being from a farming background, I understand the issues raised by the Farmers Unions and the Irish Government and will take this into account in drafting my report."

Mr Lyon will present the first draft of his report to the Agriculture Committee before the end of March with adoption by the European Parliament expected in July.