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Irish 'yes' vote will have major impact on Scottish farming - Lyon
October 5, 2009 9:15 AM
Commenting on the Irish 'Yes' vote in their referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland George Lyon said:
"The Irish 'yes' to Lisbon will have far reaching implications for the future of Scottish farming.
"For the first time the European Parliament will have a real say on the important issues facing farmers, including reform of the CAP.
"Until now the Agriculture Committee has been a bit of a talking shop, only able to voice its opinion but never having the power to shape the outcome of decisions.
"Under the Lisbon Treaty the Parliament will now have the power to take decisions on agriculture as equals with the Council of Ministers.
"This will bring real opportunities but also threats.
"There is a real threat that MEPs may want to see CAP spending, which accounts for nearly half of the total EU budget, slashed and divvied up to other areas.
"But the changes also give Scottish farmers the opportunity to work with Scottish MEPs to ensure reform of the CAP provides Scottish Agriculture with a prosperous and sustainable future.
"The Irish 'yes' vote has given us that chance and that is what I will be fighting for in the coming months."
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