MEP’s hear experiences of new member states in the Common Agricultural Policy

On Monday, the European Parliament held a public hearing on the experiences of new Member States in the Common Agricultural Policy in years 2009-2013. Observations and comments were presented by the representatives of Hungary, Latvia, Romania and Poland.

On Monday, the European Parliament held a public hearing on the experiences of new Member States in the Common Agricultural Policy in years 2009-2013. Observations and comments were presented by the representatives of Hungary, Latvia, Romania and Poland.

The Polish perspective was shown by Prof. Andrzej Czyzewski, University of Economics in Poznan, who presented the overall impact of agricultural policies on the socio-economic situation in Poland. Prof. Czyzewski identified the main elements on which the CAP was focused, inter alia, increased competitiveness of the market, reducing food surpluses and production costs. Professor Czyżewski stressed that “the countryside produces goods that are not valued,” and pointed out the important problem of the loss of income for farmers producing food materials for dealers and retailers. “The economics of agriculture should be based on the introduction of an intrinsic value for the land, which is known by various economic actors but not necessarily farmers”, stated Prof. Czyzewski.

According to Janusz Wojciechowski the hearing was an important event, which allowed the new member states to present their reflections on the Common Agricultural Policy.

“This was a very interesting and necessary debate, and an opportunity to “shout out about” the harm of farmers in the new Member States who are discriminated against due to unequal direct payments”, said Janusz Wojciechowski. “In the EU, where payments are relatively high, there is practically no waste land and in other countries where the EU aid is 2-3 times lower, millions of acres of land remain unused because it does not pay to farm. Fair compensation level of payments should be a priority for the new Member States, including Poland”- said Wojciechowski. The MEP pointed out that Law and Justice is consistently fighting in the European Parliament for the full alignment of direct payments for farmers and on this matter is strongly supported by the European Conservatives and Reformists.