Government of the Azores defends maintenance of POSEI, with increase of funds in the future CAP
The Government of the Azores advocates that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2020 should focus on four fundamental pillars and ensure the continuation of the POSEI programme, with increased funding.
In the context of its response to the survey conducted by the European Commission in the context of the public consultation on "Modernisation and Simplification of CAP," the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry considers that there should be an axis for competitiveness in the post 2020 that promotes "knowledge, rejuvenation and greater attractiveness of the agricultural sector."
Environment, climate, nutrition and animal welfare would be part of a second axis, aimed at the implementation of measures to enhance the production of value-added goods generated in the sector and the protection of biodiversity.
The Azorean response comprises a third axis with the aim of supporting income and the food chain, through the regulation of good practices and a distribution of added value equally among all agents. Moreover, it includes an axis focused on small-scale agriculture, considering that "supporting small-sized farms is to support the vitality of the rural world is to promote the maintenance of agricultural activity and human preservation throughout the territory."
"The Government of the Azores considers that the future CAP should be allocated a budget that ensures the balanced development of rural areas in Europe, namely in regions with specific constraints, where there is a possibility of abandonment of agricultural activity and/or development regarding other European regions," says the document sent by the Azorean Government.
In addition to the proposals presented to the CAP, the Regional Government considers that it is fundamental for Outermost Regions, such as the Azores, to maintain POSEI as a financial tool to support farmers directly and its reinforcement.
"The increase of the financial envelope of POSEI scheme and the flexibility in its amendments are essential to a better adaptation to the changes in the sector," Regional Government said, stressing that it is necessary to continue compensating those who produce in the outermost regions for high costs.