The proposal for a Single CMO regulation is part of
the CAP reform package and lays down rules for the common
organisation of agricultural markets. It aims to streamline,
simplify and adapt provisions on the basis of experience on public
intervention, private storage, exceptional/emergency measures and
aid to specific sectors.
Ministers considered specifically the safety net
function of market management measures and the possible need
for updating reference prices.
- Many delegations considered the improved safety net as
proposed by the Commission to be sufficiently effective. A number
of those Member States expressed concerns on the likely budgetary
impact of any meaningful adjustment of the safety net.
- Several delegations saw merit in examining the
feasibility of introducing a mechanism to allow future updates of
reference prices, so as to ensure they reflect the real market
situation. No clear view emerged however on how such a mechanism
would exactly work and under what conditions it would apply. There
were particular concerns from several member states about sectors
facing particular difficulties, including the livestock and dairy,
sectors.
- Some delegations expressed the view that increasing
reference prices would send a wrong signal to WTO partners and
would not contribute to a sustainable future of the European
agricultural sector. There were also calls for phasing out export
refunds under the CAP.
The CAP reform package was presented by the Commission
at the Agriculture Council meeting in October 2011. Since then, the
Council has held general policy debates on the CAP reform proposals
almost monthly.