The EPP-ED Group has always played a key role in defending the interests of European farmers Our Group, and particularly its members in the Agriculture Committee, has been able to support the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) through reports adopted in the European Parliament. It has helped to adjust the CAP to fit the new international trade challenges and the new financial framework 2007-2013. Our European agriculture model advocates keeping farming for food production in the European Union, promoting quality products, food security, promoting health and respect for the environment, particularly by maintaining forests and the rural landscape, and biofuel production.

PRESS RELEASES

02/09/2008	Agricultural Crisis in Bulgaria: MEPs Daul and Jeleva express deep concerns. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, and Rumiana Jeleva MEP
15/07/2008	EP-Agrarausschuss fordert integrierte Gesamtstrategie für Berggebiete. Michl Ebner MdEP
09/06/2008	Irish Referendum: Joseph Daul MEP urges farmers and the rural community to support the 'yes' vote
05/06/2008	Soutenons le dynamisme du secteur laitier européen ! Véronique Mathieu, MdPE
23/05/2008	Bilan de santé de la PAC: un diagnostic juste, des propositions insuffisantes. Véronique Mathieu, MdPE

CURRENT KEY ISSUE

Reform of the Wine Sector (CMO wine)

The EPP-ED Group and its Members on the Committee on Agriculture have been very active in the reform of the wine sector. They are aware that wine is an agricultural product that is part of the culture of the European Union, as well as being a wonderful drink which deserves to be savoured – in moderation, of course, given that it is also an alcoholic drink...

POLICY

More than half the population of the 27-member EU lives in rural areas, representing 90% of the land surface. Rural areas are to a certain extent lagging behind urban areas; incomes are below average and there is more unemployment.

The members of the EPP-ED Group are aware that the new CAP will be based on defending the interests of consumers and taxpayers. They also realise that in future most agricultural aid will be ‘decoupled’ from production: single farm payments depending on surface area rather than production. In this way, our Group has fought to maintain the agricultural production in less favoured areas...