Key Player on CAP Reform in Inverurie

5.00.00pm GMT Wed 10th Mar 2010

Malcolm Bruce MP is inviting the agricultural community to attend a public meeting to discuss the future of CAP with George Lyon MEP. The meeting will be held at 7pm on Friday the 12th March in the Wyness Hall, Inverurie.

George Lyon MEP is the EU's Rapporteur on CAP Post-2013. He has been tasked by the European Agriculture Committee to submit a report detailing the European Parliament's priorities during the forthcoming negotiations on CAP reform.

Malcolm Bruce MP commented:

"Mr Lyon's experience as both a farmer and a politician has led to his playing a pivotal role in determining the European Parliament's position on the Common Agricultural Policy.

"His coming to the Wyness Hall represents a real opportunity for local farmers to have their views heard.

"Indeed, with the political negotiations on the reform of the CAP due to start shortly, there is no better time to discuss the future of a system that will continue to shape our economy for years to come."

George Lyon MEP added:

"At a time when stringent cuts are being forecast across the public sector, it is vital that farmers continue to receive support from the EU".

"The industry must come together to provide compelling evidence of why the CAP budget should be protected and to discuss how the system could be improved".

"I am keen to gather the opinions of those within the industry and I look forward to meeting many people from across the sector at the Wyness Hall this Friday".

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Sir Robert Smith said:

"Local farmers are an important part of the North East economy and play a vital role in managing the countryside. It is important that George Lyon hears from as wide a range of farming interests as possible."