Nicholson comments on Agriculture Minister’s announcement on Voluntary Modulation
Commenting on the Agriculture Minister David Cairn’s announcement this afternoon about the details of how Voluntary Modulation will be applied in Northern Ireland UUP MEP Jim Nicholson said,
“I condemn the Minister’s decision to apply the maximum percentage of voluntary modulation available. This robs farmers of their much needed Single Farm Payment money and it can’t be guaranteed that it will come back to them.
“Quite clearly this decision should not have been made until the restoration of devolved institutions. It should have been made locally by a locally elected Minister. It flies in the face of the spirit of good cooperation the Minister has attempted to forge with elected representatives.
“While I am pleased he has confirmed that the Government will put forward co – financing, I am concerned that he hasn’t stated the total amount or percentage of co finance available. This money should have been used to reduce the overall burden on the farmer in the first place.
“Mr Cairns would not have been in a position to take this decision if it wasn’t for the fact that the European Parliament rejected every one of his Government’s proposals.
“I will work during the up coming CAP health check to ensure that a level playing field for modulation is established throughout Europe.”