2016-04-27 |
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Young Farmers Unity in Brussels
European young farmers share a high risk from volatility and the brunt of current low commodity prices but are on are on track with ideas for Common Agricultural Policy reform.
Members of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) gathered in Brussels to discuss the current market crisis with European industry and government representatives. Delegates questioned the effectiveness of the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) regarding volatility, European global competitiveness and input to the next CAP reform.
Richard Bower (second from the left) speaking to Members of the European Council of Young Farmers
Tools to manage volatility, intermediary insurance schemes, biofuels and the environment were high on the agenda as well as hopes for new EU global markets and support from the European investment Bank for individual farmers.
Richard Bower, NFYFC and NFU Next Generation
CEJA representative said:
“It’s clear that European young farmers
are discussing the same issues across the member states and we
are focussed on CAP
2020. Our discussion provided a tangible exchange
of thoughts among young farmers across the EU.
“We have previously discussed insurance policies but this was not the direction of travel suggested when we met Commissioner Hogan’s representatives last year. It shows how quickly policy can change and we are in a good position to shape our future.”
The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) has received support from the NFU to help retain their membership of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) and currently shares its membership with the NFU Next Generation Policy Forum. This enables NFYFC CEJA representatives to attend pan-European working groups, seminars and conferences in a bid to influence policy makers and industry to put young farmers’ needs and aspirations high on their agenda.
