European Parliament
A7-0163/2012
Kay Swinburne  (ECR ).
– Mr President, my constituency in Wales depends heavily on the rural economy; farming in particular is a vital contributor to the Welsh economy. Given the extent of less-favoured area farming, however, Welsh farmers are disproportionately reliant on direct payments. Without these payments, many farming families would probably leave the business altogether. I therefore welcome the move to allow these direct farm payments to continue on an historic basis for the coming year until the new CAP is in place.
I would, however, make a plea that transitional arrangements under any new agreement should be flexible and open to regional interpretation as our farmers adapt to the new rules. I look forward to welcoming the Commissioner himself to this year’s Royal Welsh Show, where the farmers can put their case to him directly.

