Hogan outlines vision for EU farming

Mr Hogan said he “would love to be the Commissioner for Agriculture again next year” following the European elections if the Prime Minister of Ireland nominated him.

CAP 2021-2027 can be a “game-changer”

The Commissioner was speaking at the EU Agricultural Outlook conference in Brussels, which this year has the title ‘The future of food and farming: food for thought.’ This event has become a key annual gathering of European policymakers and stakeholders, providing a unique opportunity to engage and discuss the future of agriculture in Europe and the challenges which lie ahead.

During the conference Mr Hogan outlined why the Commission’s proposal for the CAP 2021-2027 can be a “game-changer,” delivering better results for European farmers and citizens alike, not least in relation to environmental protection and the climate challenge.

Important and specific EU requirements

The Commissioner said: “A truly modern policy for food, farming and rural development has to deliver clearer and more effective results. Our proposals include important and specific EU requirements which will increase the level of environmental and climate ambition. Mr Hogan said that we need to help young people who wish to take up farming because young farmers are the catalyst for change and modernisation and, in an increasingly global and more competitive environment, they hold the key to improving Europe’s competitive edge. “Our trade policy, which is creating thousands of jobs annually, is contributing significantly to the growth and vitality of rural communities throughout the Union. We need to continue to support rural communities, in line with the conclusions of the Cork 2.0 Declaration. Our solution is a new delivery model, which redesigns not only the tools to achieve better results, but ensures that the key decisions are taken at national or regional level, rather than in Brussels”, Mr Hogan added.

Greater subsidiarity for member states

The Commissioner concluded by saying that he is proposing greater subsidiarity for the Member States and the regions because he believes that key decision-makers should be closer to those on whom their decisions will impact most directly,” he added.