The groups represent organic farmers, environmentalists, health groups, consumer rights, health and animal welfare advocates. Their submission to the continuing public consultation on the EU’s common agricultural policy after 2020 constitutes an alternative view to that of the more mainstream farming organisations.

The only Irish signatory to the document is BirdWatch Ireland.

In a joint statement, the organisations claimed that the CAP is “no longer functioning”. “We need an agricultural policy which protects the interests of small producers, which defends biodiversity and prevents the destruction of soil and other natural resources by the agricultural industry,” said Carlo Petrini, president of the Slow Food movement, on behalf of the signatories.

Replace the current industrial livestock system with extensive alternatives where animals are not treated as mere commodities

They call for an “end to harmful subsidies,” arguing that the current CAP has favoured “agro-industrial farming methods and global commodity chains”. Highlighting the climate change and biodiversity challenges ahead, the organisations are calling on European leaders to “ensure agricultural production is free from synthetic chemical pesticides and mineral fertilisers that harm the environment” and “replace the current industrial livestock system with extensive alternatives where animals are not treated as mere commodities”.

They also argue that the next CAP should “ensure a fair income and decent work conditions for farmers and farm workers”, including through support for shorter, local supply chains.

The consensus from all interested parties has been that the current version of CAP is not working as it should. Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan and his officials have acknowledged the complexities of the current CAP, suggesting that the simplification of policies and the identification of priorities need to be addressed.

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Simpler, more effective CAP essential as post-2020 agenda creeps up