Copa-Cogeca has urged the European Commission to adopt as many EU Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) for 2014 to 2020 as possible by the end of the year, otherwise they risk being held up until May 2015, which could impact negatively on EU farmers, forest owners and agri-co-operatives' activities.
Copa-Cogeca secretary-general Pekka Pesonen warned: "Copa-Cogeca is seriously concerned about the fact that some EU RDPs for 2014-20 will not be ready for adoption by 31 December 2014. If they are not, they will not be able to be approved before May 2015 due to procedural reasons relating to revisions of the EU budget (Multi-annual Financial Framework - MFF). this could have a severe impact on farmers, forest owners and co-operatives' activities, leaving them unable to plan ahead." Mr Pesonen went on: "Up against increasing challenges, farmers, forest owners and agri-co-operatives' commitments cannot be put in danger.
"Their contribution to growth and jobs in EU rural areas and to climate and environmental goals is crucial and needs to be taken into account. Measures relating to investment and support to help young farmers set up are of utmost importance to the sector.
"Support is crucial to ensure a viable EU farming and forestry sector and to guarantee generational renewal."
Market Round-up
United Auctions sold 182 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 240.1p per kg and an average of 216.8p (+2.1p on the week), while 202 store bullocks peaked at 268.9p and levelled at 225.4p (+1.9p). Twenty-seven store bulls sold to 238.8p and averaged 223p. In the rough ring 188 cows averaged 115.9p.
Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1,218 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £91 per head and 209.3p per kg to average 171p (-1.2p). The firm also had 428 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £105 for Suffolks and £62.50 for Blackfaces.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 27 prime cattle forward in Dumfries on Wednesday when heifers sold to 224.5p and averaged 216p, while bullocks peaked at 230p and levelled at 219.5p. There were 37 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 118.2p and dairy cows levelled at 86.2p.
The firm also sold 793 prime lambs to a top of £85 and 208.3p to average 178.4p (+3.4p). The 302 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £113 for Texels and average £79.45 (+£9.29), while light ewes peaked at £65 for Cheviots and levelled at £49.73 (+£3.69).
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