Almost Half Spain's Coupled Payments to Fund Beef
SPAIN – Spain’s beef sector is set to receive €230 million in coupled payments as part of new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) arrangements.
27 February 2014
1 minute read
This is almost half of the €585 million total which Spanish agriculture will receive from the European Union in direct payments, Agriculture Minister Arias Cañete, announced on Monday.
Speaking in Madrid on the 25th anniversary of the Protected Geographic Indication status for Beef of Avila (Carne de Avila), he revealed that research and development was to be included in the funding programme.
The proposed spending plan ‘fits perfectly into the spirit of CAP reform’, the Ministry concluded.
Mr Cañete voiced support for Carne de Avila, a specific meat coming from hardy cattle in the Castille a Lyon region of central Spain, saying it was worth €5.62 million to the region.
Mr Cañete said: “The 2012 data show its importance to the area, with around 600 operations producing the cattle supplying nine slaughterhouses and eleven butchers.”
“Economic data shows businesses relying on the cattle are lifting when compared to previous years.”
A total of 4,625 animals were slaughtered under the Carne de Avila label, resulting in over 1,300 tons of meat.
The changes will also bring in measures to improve and strengthen food chain relations.
This is to be derived from the National Rural Development Programme and is officially titled the 'Law on Cooperative Integration'.
Michael Priestley
News Team - Editor
Mainly production and market stories on ruminants sector. Works closely with sustainability consultants at FAI Farms
