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Wildlife and Countryside Link counts RSPB and Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) amongst its members; the organisations have come together over fears the proposals as they stand could amount to ‘green-wash’, offering no real environmental benefit. The campaigners are asking that government ministers adopt a strong line on making CAP payments count more towards maintaining and improving the natural environment and increasing animal welfare standards.

Abi Bunker, RSPB senior agriculture policy officer and Chair of Wildlife and Countryside Link’s Agriculture Working Group, said, "The Commission's proposals are now out and we're deeply concerned that agri-environment schemes, which reward farmers to do fantastic things for the environment and wildlife on their land, will receive less money in the future.

"This flies in the face of claims that the next CAP will be greener. It is now time for the UK Government and UK Members of the European Parliament to step up to the mark and make sure such schemes are properly resourced, so our farmers get all the support they need to do their bit for nature."

The organisations have launched a new report entitled Crunch Time for CAP: Choosing the right tools for a richer countryside. The new report, launched last week at an event in the House of Commons, outlines 10 key outcomes that the Wildlife and Countryside Link think the British Government should make the basis of its negotiating position with EU partners.

Ian Woodhurst, Senior Farming Campaigner for CPRE and Vice Chair of Wildlife and Countryside Link’s Agriculture Working Group, commented, "The CAP has huge potential to bring about a revolution in the protection and enrichment of Europe’s landscapes. But to make this happen we will need our government to show the political will and a strong commitment to arguing the case in Brussels. Anything less will mean more of the same poorly directed funding delivering few real benefits for the environment." 

Farming Minister Jim Paice outlined the government position on the forthcoming CAP debates at the Wildlife and Countryside Link’s event in Parliament on 8th November. The Crunch Time for CAP report is available to read here