CAP reforms spark green debate

FRANS FISCHLER'S CAP reform moves have been provocative to say the least. Apart from the serious implications for Irish agriculture, the initiative has raised debate about the nature of farm production in Europe and its relationship to the broader environment.

For poor countries , inundated with dumped EU surplus product, the debate has a totally different meaning.

The fact that 80% of the farm budget goes to the top 20% of farmers also places the hype in a different context.