Conservative and Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson recently met with UFU Deputy President Harry Sinclair and recently appointed UFU policy officer Gil Gallagher in Brussels.  During the meeting Jim discussed the ongoing CAP reform process, his work on the EU Dairy Package and other issues affecting the agri-food sector with the UFU representatives.

 Speaking after the meeting Mr. Nicholson said: "The decisions taken over the next few months at a European level concerning the CAP and CFP will have a major impact on the long-term nature of the agri-food sector, rural communities and wider economy in Northern Ireland.  It is important for our local industry to engage proactively with MEPs and other stakeholders and because of this I was pleased to meet again with Harry Sinclair plus welcome the UFU’s new policy officer, Gil Gallagher to Brussels.

 We used the opportunity to discuss the timetable of the CAP reform process plus the possible impact of the Commission’s proposals such as 7% set aside on addressing food security plus the need for greater simplification in the final package.  Other issues discussed included the harsh fish quotas being proposed by the Commission and the possible impact on the fishing and processing industry, renewable energy and the EU’s Dairy Package.

 I wish Gil well in her new post as policy officer, the next few months will see a lot of debate between the Parliament, Commission and Council, especially with regards the CAP.  Now that MEPs have a greater input into the decision making process it is more important than ever to use every opportunity to increase engagement between policy makers in Brussels and Strasbourg and those who have to live and work with the final outcomes."