Latest news with #CAP
Agriland
2 hours ago
- Business
- Agriland
Is there a way to make farming ‘more attractive' to the next generation?
One of the big questions that Europe is grappling with at the moment is how to make farming 'more attractive' to younger people. We have had the Vision for Agriculture and Food, from the European Commission, which it claims is 'an ambitious roadmap on the future of farming and food in Europe'. In it the commission promises to set out a generational renewal strategy in 2025, which will include 'recommendations on measures needed both at the EU and national/regional level to address the barriers to young and new people' entering farming. The commission also plans to present a proposal for the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which will include measures to support young farmers. Earlier this month the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, hosted a youth policy dialogue with young farmers in Brussels – all participants were below 40 years old in line with the age limit to qualify as a young farmer. One of the key discussions was the current profile and make up of the farming population in Europe. Source: European Commission The dialogue focused on the needs, aspirations, and barriers faced by young people entering or remaining in the farming sector and the commissioner was keen to stress that he is listening to young farmers and taking on board their concerns. What's stopping young people from farming in the future? We asked. They answered—with bold ideas, real challenges & clear demands. From land to credit and skills, they're ready to lead The is listening. The next generation is at the table. Let's keep the momentum going. Christophe Hansen (@CHansenEU) May 7, 2025 Closer to home the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has said that an independent commission report on generational renewal in farming here is set to be released before the end of next month. The commission, which was established last October, 2024, has according to Minister Heydon adopted an 'objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the complex factors involved'. Earlier this year the minister also awarded over €1.5 million for three new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects on the theme of generational renewal. These projects include: Farm Forward: Connecting Generations and Farming for the Future – which is a partnership between Ballyhoura Development; Teagasc; Dairygold; some farm organisations; and Cork and Limerick county councils, among others; Renewal in Agriculture through Intergenerational Support & Empowerment' (RAISE), – operated by the Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Council; the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS); Teagasc; Aurivo; and Dairygold, among others; Using Share Farming to Facilitate Generational Renewal – which is operated by the Land Mobility Service; Succession Ireland; Teagasc; Lakeland Dairies; and Macra, among others. But while discussions at home and further afield continue on the theme of generational renewal in farming a leading rural sociologist was in Ireland this week to share what he believes needs to be done to make agriculture 'more attractive'. Professor Frank Vanclay (centre) with Dr. Áine Macken-Walsh, Teagasc sociologist and Paul Maher, head of international relations and corporate strategy in Teagasc Source: Teagasc Professor Frank Vanclay from the University of Groningen shared a 'framework' which offers concrete guidance for designing CAP measures, extension services, and innovation programmes which he believes could reverse the trend of agricultural decline and 'youth disengagement' from farming. Speaking at Teagasc's Mellows Campus Prof. Vanclay said the framework revolves around four key principles including: Making farming attractive beyond economics ; Addressing structural disadvantages; Farmer-led innovation systems; Simplifying policy implementation. Farming and the next generation According to Prof. Vanclay getting young people into agriculture requires 'addressing emotional, cultural and identity' aspects of farming and not just economic incentives. 'Sustainability means staying on the farm', he said and policies should take on board the 'deep desire of farmers' to hand their farm over to their children – but at the same time there needs to be policies that appeal to women farmers and non-traditional farm workers. The leading rural sociologist also warned that complex and inflexible programmes reduce farmer trust and participation. He has called for 'simpler, context-sensitive programmes co-designed with farmers to enhance both legitimacy and effectiveness'. He also cautioned that while crucial discussions are underway in Ireland and across Europe to encourage younger people to go into farming and to stick with it, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to this issue. Instead Prof. Vanclay said 'differentiated support tailored to specific farming styles and local contexts' is crucial to attract the next generation of farmers whether this is in Ireland or other European countries.
Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Anti-smoking veteran Subbarow honoured as tobacco control icon
Anti-smoking advocate NV Subbarow being congratulated by health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad at the national tobacco control conference in Cyberjaya today. (Facebook pic) GEORGE TOWN : Veteran anti-smoking advocate NV Subbarow has been honoured as a tobacco control icon for his efforts over three decades to educate the public on the dangers of smoking and substance abuse. The award was presented today by health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad at the World No Tobacco Day celebration in Cyberjaya. Subbarow, who is the education officer of the Consumers' Association of Penang, said the award provided him with renewed motivation to raise awareness, especially among young people, about the dangers of tobacco, vaping, and the use of shisha and drugs such as cannabis. He said his efforts had reached more than 25,000 schoolchildren at primary and secondary levels across the country. 'Some students have come back to tell me they stopped smoking after attending my sessions and that, to me, is a proud achievement,' he said. CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader urged the government to impose a full ban on smoking and vaping products, citing serious public health risks and the potential for increased drug dependence. 'These products pose a serious threat and are far too accessible, especially online. With just one click, users can falsely declare they are over 18,' he said.
Barnama
9 hours ago
- Health
- Barnama
CAP's Subbarow Honoured With Tobacco Control Icon Award For Three Decades Of Advocacy
GEORGE TOWN, May 31 (Bernama) -- Veteran anti-smoking advocate and education officer of the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) N. V. Subbarow, was today honoured with the Tobacco Control Icon Award for nearly three decades of public education on the dangers of smoking and substance abuse. The award was presented by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad during the 2025 National Tobacco Control Conference (NTCC) and the national-level World No Tobacco Day celebration in Cyberjaya. Speaking to Bernama, Subbarow described the recognition as both an honour and renewed motivation to continue raising awareness, especially among youth, on the harms of tobacco, vaping, shisha and drugs such as cannabis. 'I've championed this cause for almost 30 years, reaching over 25,000 primary and secondary students across the country,' he said. His outreach efforts have included lectures, interactive sessions and direct discussions with students on the harmful substances in tobacco products and their impact on health. Subbarow said one of the most meaningful outcomes of his work has been seeing young people choose to quit. 'Some students have come back to tell me they stopped smoking after attending my sessions and that, to me, is a proud achievement,' he said. He said he was deeply grateful for the recognition, which further strengthens his commitment to serving the community and promoting a healthy, tobacco-free lifestyle among young Malaysians. Meanwhile, CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader in a statement marking World No Tobacco Day, urged the government to impose a full ban on smoking and vaping products, citing serious public health risks and the potential for increased drug dependence.
Agriland
12 hours ago
- Business
- Agriland
Call to sustain position of milk producers on World Milk Day
As World Milk Day takes place tomorrow (Sunday June 1), the European Milk Board (EMB) is reaffirming its call for sustainably strengthening the position of milk producers in the food chain. The board has said that fair and adequate remuneration for dairy farmers is the only way to secure the future of the European dairy sector in the long-term and to ensure the supply of high-quality milk products to the population. EMB president Kjartan Poulsen said: 'World Milk Day is an important occasion to recognise the hard work of our dairy farmers and, at the same time, to draw attention to the ongoing challenges in the sector. 'Without the right reforms, the existence of many farms remains under threat. It is high time that politicians create framework conditions that enable cost-covering prices and guarantee that producers are adequately remunerated for their valuable work.' Milk producers The EMB sees the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the EU as a key instrument for improving the producer position. Against the background of World Milk Day, the EMB has drawn up reform proposals for the CAP and the Common Market Organisation (CMO), which aim to increase market stability and give farmers a stronger negotiating position. The EMB's current reform proposals for the CAP/CMO include: Integration of crisis instruments that have a preventive effect and are triggered early in the event of market imbalances. The aim is to avoid extreme price fluctuations and losses with instruments like the Market Responsibility Programme; Strengthening the collective bargaining power of producers by promoting producer organisations with a pooling limit of 30% across the EU. This is intended to enable farmers to achieve fairer prices vis-a-vis the stronger processors and retailers; Introduction of mandatory criteria – such as the prohibition of prices below costs – for fair trading practices along the value chain. This is intended to prevent unfair competition and the exploitation of market power; Obligatory contracts with the appropriate clauses to promote fairness between producers and processors; Integrating processing cooperatives into this market framework – with all its rights and obligations. 'The current discussions about the future direction of the CAP offer a decisive opportunity to set the course for a more resilient and fairer milk market,' Poulsen continued. 'It is of paramount importance that policymakers set a clear focus on empowering producers and are not swayed by other interests. The future of the European dairy sector depends on it.' The EMB has appealed to policymakers at national and European level to implement these reform proposals in the interest of milk producers. The board said that this is the only way to achieve the goal of strengthening the producer position along the chain and to ensure the sustainable production of high-quality milk in Europe in the long-term. World Milk Day World Milk Day is celebrated each year on June 1 and is about supporting nutrition, health, and economic resilience around the globe. World Milk Day is described as a movement that highlights milk as a vital, accessible food source that nourishes billions. Tomorrow (Sunday, June 1) marks the 25th anniversary of World Milk Day, with this year celebrating the power of dairy as a nutrient-rich food and an important part of healthy, sustainable diets. Along with calcium and protein, milk is rich in iodine and vitamins B2 and B12, while also providing potassium and phosphorus. Chief executive at the Dairy Council NI, Ian Stevenson commented: 'Milk is a naturally nutrient-rich choice that supports active lifestyles and healthy diets. 'Today, we raise a glass in appreciation of our local dairy farmers and processors and their vital role in producing wholesome, nutritious food for communities here in Northern Ireland and across the world.'
Business Recorder
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Finance Bill 2025–26: CAP urges govt to overhaul retail tax structure
LAHORE: Pakistan's organized retail sector on Friday urged the government to overhaul the current retail taxation structure in the upcoming Finance Bill 2025–26, highlighting the urgent need for fairer policies to support compliant businesses and expand the tax base. In a detailed appeal to Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Chainstore Association of Pakistan (CAP)—the official representative body for over 150 Tier-1 retail chains—called for inclusive policy-making through structured consultation with the private sector. CAP stressed that the upcoming budget presents a critical opportunity to resolve long-standing disparities and bring undocumented retailers into the tax net without penalizing compliant players. CAP acknowledged the Finance Minister's leadership and reiterated its confidence in the government's commitment to reviving the economy. The association underscored the significant contributions of integrated retailers to employment, commerce, tax revenues, and export value chains, despite representing only a fraction of the retail and wholesale trade landscape. At present, POS-integrated retailers contribute approximately 25–30% of their turnover in taxes under various heads. Meanwhile, the vast majority of the retail sector remains either under-taxed or entirely undocumented. CAP warned that this growing imbalance has placed an unsustainable burden on documented businesses, many of whom have been forced to downsize or shut down in recent years. CAP Chairman Asfandyar Farrukh noted that strict enforcement actions and unresolved technical issues in the FBR-POS system have further disrupted operations for compliant retailers. The withdrawal of GST concessions for documented consumers last year, coupled with the failure of the Tajir Dost Scheme due to a lack of consultation and planning, has only worsened the situation. 'To prevent another setback, the Finance Bill 2025–26 must introduce bold, technology-led solutions that broaden the tax base without penalizing formal businesses,' Farrukh emphasized. To drive formalization and promote a cashless economy, CAP proposed fixed GST rates on retail sales made via digital payments 1–2% for consumer goods and 3–4% for textile and leather items. These rates should be extended to all tiers of retailers, including small and mid-sized enterprises, along with simplified compliance measures and alignment with provincial digital payment incentives. CAP maintains that such a framework will reduce costs, encourage documentation, and accelerate tax collection. The association also recommended a fixed quarterly advance income tax regime for small retailers, payable via mobile wallets and adjustable against annual income tax returns. Predictable rates for 3–5 years, coupled with incentives such as government service privileges or cash back offers, would increase voluntary compliance and build trust. To reignite consumer engagement in tax compliance, CAP urged the government to revive the FBR-POS Prize Scheme, which has been suspended since November 2022. Additionally, the association demanded transparency in the use of the over Rs1.2 billion collected through the POS Re1 per invoice fee under the IRS Common Pool Fund. Despite their large contributions, organized retailers remain restricted to just 10% of Pakistan's retail sector, compared to 15–20% in comparable regional economies. CAP warned that unchecked informal competition, coupled with rising compliance costs, continues to hamper sector growth. The association reiterated its readiness to collaborate with government institutions, including the Ministry of Commerce, FBR, SBP, CCP, and others, to support the development of a fair, digital, and growth-oriented retail tax ecosystem. A formal meeting has been requested with the Finance Minister to present CAP's proposals and assist in shaping meaningful reforms in Budget 2025–26. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
