The Ulster Unionist Party have responded to proposals from the European Commission on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). 
“The proposals on CAP which came from Commissioner Ciolos have the potential to result in a bureaucratic train wreck.” said Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson MLA  “At a time when we have been calling for less red tape for farmers this announcement promises more.”
“Many will have concerns about these proposals which will form the basis of a post 2013 CAP.  At present CAP delivers more than £230m a year to farmers and rural communities across Northern Ireland.
“We want to see a vibrant and flourishing Northern Ireland agri-food sector but these proposals would severely limit rather than encourage our farmers' potential to produce high quality food.
“There seems to be a pattern of putting more and more obstacles in the way of progress for the agri-food industry whilst farmers simply want to be left alone to get on with the often difficult business of growing and developing their industry.  The announcement is a rather backward step to previous reforms which have had a more market orientated focus. 
“Inflationary pressures are also a fear for many as this could have the effect of eroding new payments.”  said the Upper Bann MLA “I am aware of initial concerns regarding the proposals for pillar one which may place undue pressure on farmers with the potential for a negative impact on competitiveness. 
“I am further concerned about the proposal that farmers will need to designate 7% of their land as ‘set aside’ in order to qualify for full payment.  This will have the inevitable effect of reducing productivity at a time when we should be encouraging our farmers to produce more, rather than further limiting them. 
“The proposals to cap payments for large farms and indeed those to reclassify less favoured areas (LFAs) will cause concern amongst many within the industry.
“Measures which in any way discourage farmers from producing food may force the EU into a position where they need to import supplies from countries which do not come anywhere near to our high standards of production.  This would be as a direct consequence of the EU imposed too stringent a set of rules and effectively tying our farmers in so much red tape that they are unable to produce what we need. 
“From the beginning of this process Conservative and Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has constantly argued for the agriculture budget to be maintained so that the main aims of the CAP; ensuring food security and maintaining the natural environment can continue to be delivered effectively. 
“We have a long way to go in this process and the Ulster Unionist Party will be pushing for the best deal for Northern Ireland’s farmers on every single aspect of CAP. 
“An adequate balance must be struck which enables CAP to be a framework which will provide us all with ample stores of quality food at affordable prices, helps deliver environmental benefits and, crucially, rewards rather than penalises our farmers for achieving these goals."