Lochhead promises to take CAP reform discussion to Europe

With little prospect of an agreement on a negotiating position on the EU Common Agricultural Policy, rural affairs secretary, Richard Lochhead yesterday stated that he would take the Scottish proposal direct to Europe and canvas support there.

Speaking at the annual meeting of NFU Scotland in St Andrews, Lochhead indicated that he was "diametrically opposed" to the stance taken by the UK farming minister, Jim Paice, earlier in the week.

Paice had suggested there could well be a reduction in the size of the CAP budget and that farmers should gradually prepare for a removal of direct payments over the next seven years.

Lochhead said that, with comments like that, it was obvious the UK Treasury was calling the tune in England. "We need UK agricultural ministers to champion Scottish farming not undermine it. Defra's illogical and flawed assumptions are a recipe for disaster for Scottish agriculture and your businesses," he told delegates.

Supported by ministerial colleagues from Wales and Northern Ireland, he promised to try and improve current UK policy thinking.

But he also promised the Scottish Government would seek meetings with EU member states to garner support for the general thrust of the reform proposals contained in the Pack report which yesterday became official Scottish Government policy.

He believed that while there were half a dozen member states who along with the UK were taking the CAP reduction budget line, the other 22 were more sympathetic to the broad thrust of the proposals in the Pack report.

l Elsewhere in a wide ranging speech, Lochhead announced the setting up of a fund of 2.4 million for farmers and landowners working with local communities on renewable energy projects. The cash is intended to pay for up to 90 per cent of the costs of planning applications, environmental assessments and deposits for grid connections.

l He also announced a package of funding estimated to be around 85,000 part of which will support the work of the Royal Highland Educational Trust in encouraging children to be more knowledgeable about food production. The cash will also provide support for a dozen eco school around the country to assist them in hosting Farmers Market events.

• He also predicted there would be an announcement "within weeks if not days" about the future funding for a devolved animal health budget.