§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from farmers in respect of the proposal in the Curry report to raise the level of modulation from 4.5 per cent. to 10 per cent. [69624]
§ Mr. MorleyThis proposal has attracted a varied response from farmers and farming organizations—including concern about the possible impact on farm incomes and support for the potentially positive effect on rural development funding. The Government are committed to shifting expenditure from production-linked subsidies to wider agri-environment and rural development measures.
A final decision on the proposal will be taken after extensive consultation, including with the devolved Administrations. The decision will also need to take account of negotiations on the European Commission's "Mid-Term Review" proposals for reform of the common agricultural policy, which include the introduction of compulsory modulation across the European Union, initially at 3 per cent. but rising to a level of 20 per cent. after six or seven years.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has taken on implementing recommendations of the Curry report. [69623]
§ Mr. MorleyMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 26 March a series of early actions as a first step towards implementing the report. At the same time, a comprehensive process of engagement with a wide range of stakeholders was launched. This process has included a series of regional and sectoral events and the publication of a document, "Sustainable Food and Farming: Working Together", both of which have explored how to translate the Commission's vision into action.
Feedback from stakeholders is now being analysed and will help inform construction of a Strategy for Sustainable Food and Farming in England, to be launched in the autumn. The strategy will incorporate a definitive response to all of the Policy Commission's recommendations.