Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has said that the reform of the CAP has shown that MEPs can make a difference for Northern Ireland.

Mr Nicholson said:

"The past five years has been dominated by the reform of the CAP.  Working throughout the negotiations as one of the Parliament’s representatives has been a very challenging but rewarding experience. 

“Hosting the visit of Commissioner Ciolos in September 2012 was a crucial turning point in the process as far as Northern Ireland farmers are concerned – even surpassing the visit of the chair of the Parliament’s Agriculture Committee Paolo De Castro earlier in the term – as we were able to get across a number of key messages to the Commissioner in charge of the reform.

“That visit came at an important time in the negotiations and showed that Northern Ireland was already making a positive contribution to the environment.  As Agriculture Coordinator for the ECR Group I was able to use my role in the negotiations plus utilise my working relationship with the Commissioner and other key officials to build upon that message and ensure that 90% of farmers here escaped the most restrictive aspects of greening.  I would never pretend that this reform is perfect but I believe I can claim that the MEPs involved in the negotiations were able to deliver substantial improvements on the Commission’s original proposals - so the many hours of meetings did bear fruit.

“I also piloted the EU Dairy Package through the Parliament and I hope that the industry will utilise the measures within it to deliver a stable prosperous future in the post quota era.” 

Looking ahead to the next Parliament, Mr Nicholson pointed to a number of issues which would impact upon agriculture, including; replacing the LFAs with Areas of Natural Constraint and the possibility that the Soil Directive will return plus the issue of labelling.

“Perhaps the biggest challenges will be posed by a number of trade negotiations between the EU and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries and of course between the EU and USA.  These negotiations will require major attention to defend local agriculture, especially the beef, dairy, poultry and pig sectors and I have been appointed to lead the response of the Agriculture Committee and fight for local producers throughout the EU/US negotiations.

“There will be numerous Directives in both the Agriculture and Environment Committees which will require close scrutiny.  As I seek re-election, I pledge that if returned I will continue to use my experience built up in the European Parliament to fight for the best possible outcome for Northern Ireland agriculture.  The changes introduced as a result of the Lisbon Treaty mean that MEPs can now make a real difference by attending and using their influence to benefit Northern Ireland and my work as an MEP over the past five years proves this to be the case.”