State urged to fight for agri-sector

AN all-out national campaign, led by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, to defend the interests of Irish agriculture in the CAP mid-term review and the world trade talks was sought yesterday.

IFA president John Dillon said the Government must resist the Fischler proposals all the way. Ireland has more to lose than any other member state - a cut of 500 million per year in the value of exports.

“Unless these proposals are changed fundamentally, we will end up with a worst case scenario - lower production, lower prices, lower direct payments and lower incomes.