European Parliament overwhelmingly backs Lyon CAP reforms

11.50.47am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 8th Jul 2010

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has received the overwhelming backing of the European Parliament for his report which sets out the future reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Meeting in Strasbourg at their last plenary session before the summer recess, MEPs supported Mr Lyon's plans for a more sustainable, fairer and greener CAP.

Mr Lyon's report forms the basis of the European Parliament's position on CAP reform as the debate now moves on to the European Commission.

Commenting, Mr Lyon said:

"The Common Agricultural Policy is the oldest, and often hardest, shared policy negotiated between EU Member States. With this is mind, I am delighted that the Parliament's 'grand coalition' backed the reform package outlined in my report.

"The reformed and renewed CAP must address the challenges of the new century, putting sustainability, fairness, green growth and innovation at its heart.

"We have resisted attempts by some to water down the package of reform and the report has emerged with a strong mandate for long overdue change.

"This is a European agreement but it is also a good deal for Scotland. The strong stance taken by the European Parliament will shape the debate and set the agenda for reform.

"With the Commission having just completed its consultation process, it comes at a perfect time allowing the Commission to adopt the ideas put forward."

Dacian Ciolos, European Agriculture Commissioner, commented:

"I welcome this report. I know that George Lyon has put a lot of work into its preparation and I find his concepts very constructive.

"We will take these into account when we draft our communication on the future of the CAP which is due for publication in November."

Paolo de Castro, Chair of the European Agriculture Committee, added:

"The big challenges of the future CAP are how we can produce more with less. To do this the CAP has to be more transparent and equitable, not just to farmers but society as a whole.

"This is what the Lyon report sets out and I congratulate George on his efforts."