– I touched upon the basic acts, this is a big issue – this is how Janusz Wojciechowski, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, referred to the expected changes in the Common Agricultural Policy.
- We talked to Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, who is currently under heavy attack, especially by politicians in his own country. – I am immune to political attacks, I have been in politics too long not to expect them – he said. He emphasizes that if these attacks come from different directions, they make it difficult for him to function in the European Commission.
- Changes to the CAP officially planned by the European Commission should be approved by the European Parliament. Its last meeting will take place in the second half of April this year. The matter has been politically agreed, which means that these changes should enter into force.
- This includes: for a departure from the conditionality set out in GAEC 6; 7 and 8, as well as the lack of inspections on farms up to 10 ha and not punishing producers for non-compliance with the rules.
There was a lot of confusion around changes in the Common Agricultural Policy. Janusz Wojciechowski has been talking about them for several weeks, while the European Commission has been slow to issue an official statement. Finally, the message came from the Commission and now the decisions rest with the European Parliament, which must approve the proposed changes. We have already written about these changes many times.
I will complete the changes
– In terms of fallowing, I was the one who reduced the requirement from ten to four percent and then suspended this requirement three times – reminds the commissioner and adds that he will bring about the end of the changes in the Common Agricultural Policy that are expected by farmers.
What’s next? A strategic dialogue on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy is ongoing. How is this dialogue going and what can we expect in the near future?
The results of this dialogue will be an indication, perhaps even before the European Parliament elections, but above all for the new Commission and the new European Parliament as to farmers’ expectations. – Regardless of the results, because I am currently analyzing the opinions received, I will want to present my own conclusions for the future. I will leave a document to which the future creators of the Common Agricultural Policy and its reformers after 2027 will have to refer to – he adds.
Will the CAP be more financially resourceful?
Wojciechowski reminds that an additional pillar of this policy should be created – a crisis pillar, and that the budget for the Common Agricultural Policy should be larger. – Today, there is no other way to help farmers in a difficult situation other than compensation. Let’s look at trade with Ukraine, the entire economy makes money and the surplus is EUR 7 billion, but farmers lose. It is decent and fair that farmers receive public aid.
I am resilient and I keep working
The interview that Janusz Wojciechowski gave to Farmer also included personal questions. We asked the commissioner how he responds to the constant attacks directed at him, which come mainly from the Polish political scene.
The position of the commissioner, perhaps not directly, but indirectly depends on his political relations in the country. – The problem of commissioners, not only mine, of every member of the Commission, is that they are subject to certain rules of public statements, I am not allowed to reveal everything that is an internal discussion of the Commission, he says. – My achievements can prove how effective I am in the European Commission. However, as long as farmers, who are sometimes critical, expect me to work, I will perform my duties – he adds.
You can watch the entire interview with Janusz Wojciechowski below.
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