Farron calls for cut in modulation to protect farmers

Cumbria MP Tim Farron will speak in a debate in the House of Commons on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy this evening to call for a cut in modulation to protect livestock and dairy farmers in light of the recent announcement that the overall EU budget will be cut.

The end of day Adjournment debate has been secured by Tim's colleague, Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon and Radnorshire Roger Williams.

The negotiations in the EU on the future financial framework for the CAP will cover 2014-2020 which is currently worth €283.05bn in direct payments (Pillar 1) and €91.97bn for rural development (Pillar 2), under current proposals these budgets are set to be reduced by 4.66% and 9.03% respectively. Whilst the cut in the EU budget has been widely welcomed, the impact on British farmers could be damaging unless Tim's proposals are agreed to.

Commenting ahead of the debate Tim said: "With the announcement last week that the EU leaders have finally agreed to a budget cut for the 2014-2020 period, it is now more important than ever that we secure a cut in modulation to protect our livestock farmers. This debate is incredibly timely because if our government doesn't act, the implications could be catastrophic to the farming industry."