The Federation of Branch Associations of Agricultural Producers announced, among other things, via social media, that a decision had been made to reduce the budget for the Common Agricultural Policy by as much as EUR 400 million. The organization strongly protested against these arrangements.
"The Federation of Branch Associations of Agricultural Producers strongly opposes the decision to reduce the budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by €400 million. This worrying decision threatens the competitiveness of European agriculture, which is already facing numerous challenges, both economic and environmental. European agriculture, a key pillar of our economy, requires support, not budget cuts that could weaken its ability to compete in the global market," we read.
– We are concerned that funds earmarked for the CAP may be shifted to aid for Ukraine . Although we sympathize with Ukraine in its difficult situation, we believe that this cannot happen at the expense of European farmers, who are the foundation of Europe's food security. Any decisions regarding financing should be made taking into account the interests of all parties, and above all, with respect for the stability of the agricultural sector – said Marian Sikora, chairman of the Federation of Branch Associations of Agricultural Producers, at a press conference of Polish agricultural organizations operating at the Copa-Cogeca forum.
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In addition, the Federation expresses deep concern about the increasingly frequent unofficial information that after the upcoming elections to the European Parliament, the new European Commission may return to the assumptions of the Green Deal, which have been met with strong criticism from farmers.
– We are convinced that a possible return to these assumptions, without taking into account the real needs and challenges of agriculture, could lead to an escalation of tensions and the outbreak of large-scale farmers' protests throughout Europe – added Sikora.
The Federation of Branch Associations of Agricultural Producers has appealed to the Polish government for firm support for Polish farmers in Brussels.
– We believe that the government will actively defend the interests of Polish agriculture, working to maintain stable and fair financing of the CAP, which is necessary to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Poland and the entire European Union. For our part, we declare full cooperation and support for such government actions at the Copa-Cogeca forum – summed up his speech Marian Sikora from FBZPR.
