Defra faces pressure from devolved governments

The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and the north of Ireland do not have the front seat in the forthcoming negotiations on the EU Common Agricultural Policy, with that position being taken by Defra in Westminster.

However, to ensure their views are clearly known, a combined position on their priorities from the three devolved bodies will today land on the desk of Defra. They want to see the next CAP operate with three main principles. These are ensuring agriculture secures a fair and proportionate share of the budget, that it has flexibility to respond to specific local needs and the overall policy is as simple as possible.

While the devolved ministers have said there is a high degree of common ground between their views on CAP reform, there are aspects of the emerging UK government position, as articulated by UK Agriculture Secretary Caroline Spelman at the Oxford Farming Conference, which give all three administrations "cause for serious concern".

The letter with their priorities is seen by the devolved administrations as a precursor to establishing an agreed UK negotiating position for the talks.

The devolved ministers are now seeking detailed ministerial level discussions with the UK government on the future of the CAP as soon as possible.